and Leviticus for we must observe that the Son of God the holy Angle of Gods presonce repeateth diverse Laws that were formerly commanded in Exodus and Leviticus the holy Law with the exposition was first delivered in Exodus and Levitecus See Exod 10 21 22 23. and 24. chapters and that holy covenant was made in the bâ—ood of the covenant Exod. 24. as it is said Assemble my Saints together that have made a covanant with me by Sacrifice to walk in his holy Law and as the breach of it is charged on them Ps 50. So it is the same covenant that is made with the children in Deut. for as it is said Moses repeats the Law to them Deut 5 and makes large Expositions upon it and then renews the covenant even the same Covenant in Deut. 29. Note also that the same promises for obedience to the law of the Gospel and the same curses are spoken to the fathers as are repeated to the children Lev. 26. Deut. 28. Yea which must be well observed Numbers 20. Numb 20. to the end of that book and all Deut. is but the history of one year and Aharon died the fortieth year in in the fifth moneth Num. 33. and forwards may and must be called Deutera-nomie a second Law for all is spoken to the people of the second numbring all the Fathers being dead Consider Num. 28.2 also confer Exod. 19. with Deut. 76. and 14.1 and 26. And the covenant that Iosua made with Israel a little before his death is but the renewing of the former and saith Mr. Ainsworth in Deut. 29.1 Here the covenant is renewed between God and the people and it is the same in effect with the covenant made at Horeb Exod. 19. and 24. save that Christ who is the end of the legal covenant is here more clearly recalled and saith he on Exod. 20.2 here he especially intendeth the covenant of grace made with his people whereby they are blessed that have Jehovah for their God Psal 3â— 12 and Tremellius speaketh to the same effect and divers others might be cited to their sence Men man and will speak their pleasures but let us take heed we do not darken Gods counsels by our own words or by his words mis-interpreted CHAP. XXVII Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospell of the Son of God Mark 1.1 2 was manifested and taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same SECT 1. CHRIST the eternall word the light and life of men inspired holy Prophets in all ages to teach men his way and charge which consisted in Commandments Statutes and Laws from the apostasie of our first Parents to Israels coming from Egypt that is two thousand five hundred and thirteen years all which Laws were to bring men to feare and love Jehovah and to love the holy Seed their Brethren and to give no just occasion of offence to any no not to the seed of the Serpent Gen. 18.25 26.5 And that this holy faith and religion might abide and the fruit of it remaine Christ gave holy Prophets who were of long life and of great authority which were a great helpe to preserve the faith for those years and propagate the same by tradition to posterity till those commandments statutes and lawes were written And because many things before the Floud and after the Floud doe set forth the Law of faith rather by way of narration then by manifest precept though doubtlesse they were commanded even from the beginning I will breifly set down some particulars in which the Son of God reveiled himselfe even before Moses 1. The Holy faith for Doctrine was taught in that great and precious fundamentall promise coucerniâ—g the Son of God his person and office I will â—uâ— enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her sâ—â—d He shall break by head and thou shalt break his heal Gen. 3.15.2 We are to consider that this holy promise or covenant was opened by diverse providences and ordinances which the Saints most religiously observed that so they and their posterity might abide in the Doctrine of Christ and not transgreâ—se from it For they knew they that did not so had no communion with the holy Trinity but they that did abide in it had communion both with the Father and the Son SECT II. 1. TThey had Sacrifices to make profession of this holy faith of the son of God taking humanity of the Seed of the Woman to be the Mediatour and Procuratour of justification sanctification wisdome and redemption by his death and sacrifice and thus sacrifices ever taught of life coming by death Now we are to consider how this way and charge of Châ—ist was made known to Moses in commandments statutes and laws he wrote the very some that was formerly practised by the Saints Christ indeed commanded more laws to Moses because the church of God became into a great common-weal and kingdom Therefore hence observe that all ancient godly tradition is according to the written word 2. Moses is frequent in this They had Altars on which they sacrificed their offerings which made the sacrifices acceptable because it sanctified the offering signifying the in effable Divinity of the Son of God made man to uphold the humanity in that great work of our Redemption 3. So in Moses most sericusly the Sabbath is enjoyned likewise in the Prophets The holy Trinity Father Son and holy Spirit Jebovah Eloim appointed the Sabbath to be a signe between him and his people that in it they might meditate on the mighty Creation and gracious Redemption And it was to sanctify them unto himselfe and to sâ—perate them from all the prophane and so to be a means of holinesse in their persons soul body and spirit The Sabbath was made for man to meditate how the holy Trinity rested in Christs Redemption And the Subbath was kept before it was commanded in Exo. 20. for Moses speaks of it in Ex. 16. as being observed before and teacheth them there further the holy use of it as it was at the first enjoyned Exâ—d 16 23. but Israel in Egypt apostating from the faith and following the Idols of Egypt neglected the Sabbath very great ly as the word Remember in Exo. 20.8 doth argue and we see that where men care not for or do corrupt the holy Doctrine of faith that they either neglect the Christian Sabbath the Lords day or utterly cast it off Eze. 20. And 100 manifest miserable experience in our days of rejecting the fourth Commandment and its Doctrine as Papiâ—ts doe the second Commandment do witnesse Again further note all the Patrarchs entred into the Sabbaticall Rest from Gen. 1. to Moses times God did not rest but in Christ and the Sabbath taught that and the faithfull kept it but the Families most wickedly followd Nimrod Gen. 26.5 and would not be perswaded to embrace the faith of Seâ—â—s Tents which was the charge of
and profane Joh. 1.41 4.23 And the Jewes at that time commonly speaking Syriack spake the terme Messias and speaking Greek they uttered the Greek terme Christ so that as oft as we read the Greek terme we must remember the other Terme of the Hebrew or Syriack And all the Orthodox Churches in Christendome hold Messias here to be the Son of God our Redeemer vi Mr. Bro. on Daniell and in Advertisment pag. 33. Upon the verse 27. and halfe that seaven of this last seaven the first part is passed over in silence for a preparation the latter halfe doth Christ bestow in confirming the covenant for the Many beginning at his Baptisme ending at his death 3. Quest and Answ N. 1. As the motions of the Heavens The creation was made to serve the Son of Enosh Psal 8. so the revolution of the year all are his Servants Psal 119. lamed-part No Army is ordered more comely then the times in Gods word Dan. 10.1 And Gods people must learne to know that the times as well as the ceremonies and tipes teach of so they lead unto Christ for the Golden Chaine of times are fastned to famous Pillars as is prefixed to this Book N. 11. This prophecie was given Read Esai 44. 45. with Ezr. 1.1 2. concerning Cyrus his Letters Patents of building the Temple and City and returning the people But Cyâ—us going to war in Scythia was plagued for not leaving better order at home that his Letters Patents were not throughly executed for the good of Gods people and Cambyses Daâ—ius Hystaspis and Xerxes for questioning and damning the Patent felt Gods wrath and their Kingdomes Ezra 4. and 6.11 12 Est 1. trouble in Dan. Hyst court Ibid Sent the Jews home The blood of Gods Covenant in Christ sent them home as from Egypt so from Babel Zach. 9.11 Col. 1 20. the blood of the Covenant is our comfort in any disconsolate condition Ibid. That year with a most remarkable Proclamation over an hundred and twenty Provinces Then the Nations did hear of their demanding and enquiring of the way to Sion upon the hope of the Son of man his coming to shew the Kingdome of heaven to all Nations and to shake even the heaven of Moses policy Jer. 10.4 5. they presented Sion in the dust before glorious Babel and they then ought so to do but not now Psal 102.13 14. So Moses and all the Nobles of all ages Heb. 11.24 25 26 ye that have escaped the sword go away stand not still remember Jehovah a far off and let Jerusalem come into your mind Jer. 51.50 Psl 137.5 6. So all ye that have escaped mysticall Babylon go away stand not still remember Jehovah and let the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem come into your mind be ye separate be at a distance in all holy zeal still come out from among them touch nothing of theirs neither Laws nor their phrase nor apparrell make a covenant as Neh. 10. 2 Cor. 6.18 what if your name be put out as evil remember Isa 66. â— John 9.34 and 16.2 2 Cor. 6.17 No. 3. And seal that is confirm all the viâ—ons and Prophesies that he was the end all aimed at Among many Prophesies that might be related I will name now that of Jer. 31.22 The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth A woman shall compasse a man that is a woman Virgin The holy Spirit of Christ prosecuteth the foundation of Doctrine which he laid down in Moses of the blessed seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and of Shiloh Gen. 49. that a tribe should not fail to Judah till Shiloh came Now Judah being in Babel and held captive the Prophet doth from the Lord comfort them that although they were in heavy calamities and much disconsolate Jer. 30 31.32 33. chapters yet Judah should return and have a policy to buy and sell and that Jerusalem and Temple should be built and the Cities of Iudah inhabited and that that New thing should be accomplished a woman Virgin shall compasse a man All promises were made in Christ and should be yea and amen in him to the glory of God And this is promised to be as sure as the heavens order that God would not fail of his promise he made to David and Israel although Salomons house and Kingdome were ended yea to all the elect from the beginning in sending Christ Iesus to be born of a Virgin and that in him the Church should have unspeakable consolation This made the people of God to be so refreshed as a man is by sweet sleep Ier. 31 26 But Ieremiah told them not nor any Prophet as yet How long Psal 64.9 that should be for the performance that was reserved for a more fit season when they were to come from Babel then they had the time told them by an angel from heaven which did much heighten their consolation wherein all comfort was promised by that glorious message of the angel concerning the Messias compassed by the woman-Virgin to perform all the promises visions and Prophesies by finishing and ending all sin-offerings and trespasse offerings and make by himself a reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse by his perfect sacrifice once performed so by this Doctrine the godly were preserved and strengthened greatly in their faith and hope of Christs coming in this determined time And seing it is said Christ shall seal Vision and Prophet is taught that he shall restrain apostasie through preaching his glorious Gospel that they fall not away as the Jews did in that most grievous and almost universall revolt in and from the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 8 13. and 11 30 31 32. Our Lord Jesus Christ in his coming was the morning star and the SUN of Righteousnesse and his brightnesse did visit us as holy Zâ—chariah saith Luc. 1 7.8 For those times were most deplorable in corrupting all holy Doctrine as it was greatly darkened by these three Shepherds Zac. 11. concerning the holy Trinity the sons incoâ—nation his death and resurrection and concerning justification and all Moses polity as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth But the Lord Jesus and his Apostles from him made all clear again Also this Prophesie of the angel from heaven was wonderfull to the comfort of the people of God under their pressures by Persia Javan whole and Javan parted This Prophesie is marvellous if we consider the times Oh who is sufficient to expresse the things of Gods blessed word Ibid. N. 3. Everlasting righteousnesse The mentioning of everlasting righteousness justification redemption doth shew the Law made nothing perfect but was sponsorious and an introduction to a better hope in Christ for Christ by his own blood entered once through the vail that is his flesh into the holy place into the very heavens to appear now in the fight of God for us and obtained eternall Redemption Heb. 9. For it is not possible that the bloud of Bulls or Goats should take away sinne
destruction of so many honest and â—â—lâ—thfull subjects and so it was told you to your face you know when Hest 7 shall voluntary giâ—ts and contributions of such drosse Statists corrupt the breasts of Princes to make and confirm the Decrees and Canons c. to undo their bâ—st subjects absit absit Es 10.1 Psal 94.20 Prov. 25.4.5 wherefore hearest thou mens words saying David seeketh thy hurt Now therefore I pray thee Let my Lord the King hear the words of his servant If Jehovah have stirred thee up against me let him accept an offâ—â—ing but if they be the children of men cuâ—sed be they before Jehovah for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord saying go serve other gods 1 Sam. 7.4 and 26. CHAP. XI Shewing why there were no more Prophets after Malachy to our Lords incarnation FOr the better understanding of the reason three things must be well observed 1. The times of Daniel concerning Christ and his Church and the exact time of our Lords death 2. Concerning the church of the Iews standing or falling in these times 3. Concerning concerning the enemies of the church in these three things the times will be coincident which must be diligently observed First touching Christ and the exact time of his death it must be remembred The Seventy years of Babels captivity ending Daniel hâ—d this message from heaven that the Lord God had sent an holy angel from heaven to Daniel with that heavenly Message of the Seventy Sevens of years wherein MESSIAH the King should finish trespasse-offerings and end sin-offerings and make reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse and seal Vision and Prophesie and that MESSIAH the holy of holy should confirm the Testament for Iews and the Many and should end Sacrifice and offering by his most obedient sufferings and death giving himself a sweet smelling sacrifice of savour to God for our Redemption Dan. 9.24 c. This Prophesie foretold the year moneth day and hour of Messiah his death the angel Gabriel at the time of the eenng sacrifice or ninth hour came then to Daniel to tell him that at the Seventy Sevens the Messiah should suffer and his Prophesie was performed and fulfilled at the ninth hour of the day for then our Lord gave himself a Sacrifice for the sins of the Iews and the Many of all Nations and said all was finished when he yielded his holy soul into the hands of the heavenly Father 2. We must know that Daniel knew all the holy Doctrine of the angels Message but the time of fulfilling all visions and Prophesies for the exact time of Christs death No Prophet ever told that time but Daniel this must be advisedly condered Now when the Church of God had the time of Christs death exaxctly foretold which Kings Priests and Prophets and all godly did desire to see and hear This gave the faithfull abundant satisfaction 3. When Daniel had such glrious Prophesies of ch 2. and 7. and 8. and this blessed Revelation from heaven in chap. 9. for the rejoycing of the hearts of the people of God They forsook Bahel to go to Jerusalem though in the dust Psal â—02 14 This company that returned were precious feed for after times Psal 126. Haggai end Malachy shew that the messiah shall sâ—ddenly come to the second Temple before it be destoyed so they open Dan. 9.24 c. then 49000 with Zorobabel were perswaded to forsake Babel in hope of the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven and to have Kingdome power and glory over all Nations Jeremiah sheweth that the deliverance from Babel should be more glosious than that from Egypt Jer 30. and 31. and 32. and 33. excellent things are spoken for the returned from Babel but Daniel onely tells the time of the death of Christ 4. When David had thus declared the exact time then Haggai further conâ—ecrated the returned against their discouragements that the Temple Zorobabel built should be of greater glory than Salomons because the MESSIAH the desire of all Nations should come and fill it with his glorious presence by teaching in it doing miracles in it and in it give peace to all the Israel of God Likewise Zachariah commenteth much on Daniel that Zion and Jerusalem should rejoice because the King of Israel was coming but in a lowly manner as our Lord tol them the Kingdome of heaven did not come in him with great shews of outward observation and he told them of the undervaluing King MESSIAH how he was bought and sold as for a slave for thirty pieces of silver this expounds Daniel for the sufferings of Messias yet at that day he would be a fountain for sin and all uncleannesse unto all the godly families of Judah and Levi for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all faithfull as Daniel sheweth Christ shall suffer so Zachariah sheweth the blessed shepherd shall be smitten and the flock shall be scattered these things shew the sufferings of Messias not for himself being just but for us 6. Daniel having shewed of Messiahs confirming the Covenant for Jews and the many of all Nations Malachy expoundeth this saying from the rising of the SUN unto the going down of the same the name of the Lord should be great among the Gentiles Also he sheweth of Messiah the mesenger of the covenant in whom they delighted and expected Also he sheweth of him the SUN righteousnesse shall appear with healing in his beams and prophesieth of John Elias the Baptist to be Christs Messenger to prepare the way for his coming and the Nation of the Jews were so taken with John Baptist that they thought he was the MESSIAH for that time had many thoughts and questions 7. Daniel foretold the destruction of the low Jerusalem as with the Flood of Noah in the next generation after the Seventy Sevens were ended at our Lords death Zachariah saith the same Zac. 14.12 that it should be very terrible Also he sheweth of the heavenly Jerusalem the new Jerusalem so Esai 2 1 2 3. Micah 4â—1 2 Esai 54. speaks of his glory Titus Vespasian destroyed the low Jerusalem forty years after our Lords ascension and the Lord Jesus gave them an assured token of the same Luke 21.20 The Church standing Secondly touching the Church of God especially the faithfull rejoiced to think of the determined time of the Seventy Sevens and did calculate the years since their return from Babel so that they could not misse to know the time of MESSIAH his coming And nothing was ever objected against our Lord or his apostles about the time Zac. 11.11 The poore of the flock still waited for the accomplishment of all things especially the godly families of the house of Nathan Salomons brother by Batâ—shebah that came of Zorababel All the god evermore waited for Christ their blessed hope Isa 25.9 now much more And as they did thus for his first coming so
daies in the godly Families as hath been noted For Daniel 12.4 sheweth that those times would cause much action among the godly Daniels book a treasury of Wisdome for the time of the 77. and ever Dan 12.4 and Daniels book for the time of the Seaventy Seavens was a wonderful treasure of wisdom to teach them knowledge for many occurrents many did search throughly and knowledge did much increase These times of Javan in the Kings of the North and South were times of much agitation on all sides and occasions Thus far of the holy Seed for these times which were â—he substance and stay of the State as others formerly for their times Esay chap. 6.13 of the falling away from the faith of many in Israel II. Daniel spake as of many particular events touching the Kings of the North and South so of the Apostasie of the visible Suns of the Church of many in Israel which came to passe in those sad calamitous times of Ptolomy Philopater K. of Egypt and in the daies of Antiochus Epiphanes King of the North. Daniel sheweth how many were drawn away by Philopaters allurements and became lawless VVhereas other of their Brethren being constant in the faith had great deliverance Dan. 11.14.3 Macca and the apostates shame and disgrace Of Antiochus it is recorded Thus by orafâ— and deceit he did prevail against many of the Jews and made them forsake the holy Covenant and with these he had intelligence how to do mischief against the faithfull and the Temple and Jerusalem Daniel sheweth the vilonesse of his wicked King chap. 8.24 25 and chap. 11.28 30 31 32 33. Let the godly Reader see the Commentaries of Mr. Broughton on Daniel Zachariah foretold of the Civill Dissentions among the Jews and how they would oppresse one another Those three wicked Shepherds with the former false Prophets were thieves and robbers but the sheep did not hear them Joh. 10. Dan. 12. and forsake the Law of faith given by Christ to Moses and follow heresies There were three wicked Shepherds that hated sound doctrine and made false expositions on the holy Text and many fables and many traditions and did not cleave to the Law that Christ the Angel of Gods presence gave to Moses at Horeb with the Statutes and Judgements Malachy 4. This fulfils châ—â— which Daniel foretold That although Godly Teachers did turn many to righteousness yet the wicked would do wickedly and none of the wicked would understand Wherefore God gave them into the hands of one another and into the hands of their Kings the Levitical Kings Vid. Tremel on Zach. 11. and the Herods and the Caesars Malachi sheweth that Saddwoisâ—â—â— was beginning in his daies c. 3.14.15 which greatly increased This was a strong faction and prevailed much against the Pharisees that they made sad and woful Tragical slaughters of one another Gen. 49. Deuter. 33. and many of their High Priests were of this faction The Priests would be Kings not remembring Jacobs and Moses Testaments Jacob shewed that of right Judah should have the Government of the State Moses shewed how the Tribe of Levi should be exercised but they neglected the Prieshood and the covenant of the Priesthood therefore the imprecation of Moses fell on them Then Christs brake both his Staves Beauty and Binders The Beauty of his Ordinances they had till about these times Zach. 11.10 Dan. 11.35 12.10 which now were grieveusly corrupted therefore God deprived them greatly of that Glorious Mercy and in his anger brake the staffe of strength They despised the godly Teachers that had suffered sore afflictions many waies for the faith of the truth Therefore God gave them over into the hands of wicked Shepheards that never sought their Good Zachary 11.15 16 17. So Achab for despising Michaiah was given over to believe four hundred lyars to his destruction So under the new Testament 2 Thess 2. As for Christs other Staff Binders We must remember that Ezekiel had prophecied that when they returned from Babel Judah and Ephraim should be as one Stick in his hand and so they were after the return But we must know many of Judah and Israel continually returned as Zac. 8. 9. 10. For of the fourty nine thousand that returned Ezra 2. Ten or twelve thousand were of the ten Tribes and this unity continued all the time of the Persians and to about one hundred and fifty of Javan consider Zachary 9.13 how they conjoined But for their apostasie Christ brake this Staff also that the Brotherhood of Ephraim and Judah was almost utterly dissolved The event of which was borrible distractions emulations and contentions very sad and grievous The poor of the Flock as is noted observed all these things Zachary 11.11 Miserable and deplorable was the State of these times and which continued until our Lords daies And when He came he sealed Vision and Prophecy by teaching and sound expositions of the Law and so much restrained this apostasie by himself and his Apostles by him and cleared all holy Doctrine and opened the truth of the Scriptures how and of whom the Prophets Luke 24.2 Thes 2.1 Tim. 4.1 2 3 2 Tim. 3.1 2 the Psalms and Moses spake and the faithful believed This apostasie was as dreadful and in many things like the apostasie of the Lawlesse man of sin for the sixt seventh eighth ninth tenth eleventh twelfth thirteenth fourteenth Centuries then the fourteenth Century the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ began to consume with the breath of his mouth that Wicked Romilus and the glory of Christ continued more and more to this day blessed be his holy name of all the Saints for ever Thirdly Of the enemies of the Saints the Jewes Concerning the Enemies of the people of God in the times of the Seavensy Seavens 1. Daniel foretold what troublesome times should befall the returned from Captivity under the Persians for Seaven Seavens that is fourty nine years both to them that returned and to them which were not yet returned In those Seaventy Seavens by the returned the Temple was builded and the City Jerusalem re-edifyed with the wall and distinction of Streets Ezra and Nehemiah shew what troubles they had by the Seed of the Serpent in performing those Noble Enterprizes And for them not returned the book of Esther shewes the cruel and malitious intendment of that wicked Haman the Agagite of the posterity of Amalek The Persians reigned eighty years after the Seaven Seavens they reigned in all one hundred and thirty years Also Daniel foretelleth how Javan in Alexander should afflict The King of the North was that Gog and Magog Ezek. 38. 39 Also how the Kings of the North and South The Ten hornes collaterally should long afflict This Daniel sheweth by an Historical Prophecy in many particular events to the daies of Ptolomy Philopater and Antiochus Epiphanes The 8.10 11. 12. chap. of Daniel are all in the time
the concision mistook all and turned all to be their own idoll and vanity in their bodily exercise to be so justified from sins guildnesse and filthinesse 9 Questionlesse Moses polity was a Covenant of grace in Christ and not a bare covenant of works For all the ceremonies were implicite promises all sponsorious of a better hope in Christ and because they despised to beleive this God was a consuming fire to them though they were never so exact in bodily exercise Ebr. 12. examine well how the Apostle speaks the same speach to the Hebrewes as Moses did to them of his time Deut. 4.24 10. And whereas Saint Paul saith that the Law of the Passeover came four hundred thirty yeares after the promise Gen 12.2 3. He doth not speak it as his judgment that it was a new covenant or all the Laws following it to be a covenant of works but reasoneth against the false Apostles taking up their phrase a Law of Works for he knew and hath witnessed that Christ delivered to Moses the Law of faith Rom. 10. conferred with Deus 30. 11. And whereas the Apostle saith Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the justification that is by the Law that the man that doth these things shall live by them This speach he citeth as it may be supposed from the allegations of false teachers * There is a Law for the ransome of the Soul by half a Shekel of Silver and so this was a tradition even in the Apostles dayes The Jews dispersed sent Silver to the Temple for their Redemption but the Apostle calls it a vain tradition of their Abothenu not looking to Christ the end of all read Exod. 30. 12 13.1 Pet. 1. so did Papists in carrying the Hâ—st to sick mens houses c. that so interpreted all Moses to be of the outward letter to build their comfort on themselves by bodily exercise And in this doing they must not misle in any eternall point no or in ceremonials commanded because of the course Deut. 27.26 And suppose they could have fulfilled all externals yet they could not have eternall life as the reward thereof it is not any exteriors only that procures life eternall And in deed to all externalls was too heavy an Yoke as the councill sheweth Act. 15. 12 It is true the holy Apostle useth tho phrase as abovesaid Law of Works in diverse places I have often thought that the Apostle in reasoning and disputing with false Teachers useth their phrase not that Christ in Moses commanded a Law of works to attain eternall life ex opere opeâ—ato the * In those days Apostacy from the saith was great and Christ â—ame to revaine this deâ—ection Dan. 9. Teachers before our Lords incarnation invented this phrase to rupting all holy Doctrine a Law of wâ—rks as a Schooleterme of their own against the true intent of the Spirit of Christ They by their false interpretations and expositions made all Moses a Law of works to themselves Christ in Moses did not make it so for they are reproved for stumbling at Christ the drift aime and scope of the Law though they might be unrebukeable in exteriours 13. But one would think that speech in Leviticus 18.5 truly understood according to Christs intent was part of the Law of faith for that Text is pâ—osecuted in Nâ—h 9 29. but not as a Law of works for we may suppose that the godly did not in the day of their humiliation confesse their sins and the sins of their fathers for not doing the Law of works but for the disobedience * According to Exod. 23.20.21 22. and it is true also they despised Christ in not doing but casting off all the exteriors Christ commanded and when they did so they much lesse cared for internals Exod. 30.12 13. of faith to the Son of God our Mediatour that gave to Moses the lively Oracles of faith and Ezekiel ch 20.11 handles this Text of Leviticus to the like effect and that speech of Levit. 18. is among the Gospel Statutes and judgements 14. In one sense it might be truly called a Law of works as thus if an Israelite had touched any unclean thing he might not come to the Tabernacle in his legal uncleannesse that he died not by some sudden stroak as Nadab and Abâ—hu and so the Priests mast wash also that they died not c. c. These externals they might do though they cared not for heart-worship in the faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus and so have their bodily life continued but life eternal is only promised to them that look to Christ by faith as he was typified by Moses rites and so bodily exercise by doing the outward works of the Law did profit a little for a bodily life and for an outward justification in their persons in respect of liberty to come into the Sanctuary but not for eternal iustification in Gods fight 15. And in such exteriors the Apostle was exact but all his Justification by bodily exercise of the Law which he was mistaken in were most vile to him when he knew Christ as he saith Phil. 3 7 8 9. But the things which were vantage unto me the same I counted losse for Christs sake yea doubtlesse I think all things but losse for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have counted all things losse and do judgâ— alâ— things to be vile that I may win Christ and might be found in him not having mine own justification which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the justification which is of God the Father through saith in Christ So 2 Cor. 5.19.2 16. And therefore if Levi. 18. be understood as some would yet then God was a consuming fire to all though exact in externalls that despised Christ resting in the most exact bodily exercise then what life was that in Levit. 18â— 17. Whereas it is said Heb. 12. Ye are not come to the fiâ—rie mountain but are come to Mount-Sion c. If they of the Concision had seen the Son of God according to the Prophets Mark 1.1 as Mediatour it had been no fiâ—rie mountain to them to destroy them but if they saw him not in his Law he would be a consuming fire and persecuting Saul would have found him to be so for all his Law justifications but he was received to mercy being in his unbelief of the Son of God 18. Mount Sion and Ierusalem in Canaan was a city of bondage an Hagar and a fierie mountain after the ending of the Seventy Sevens Dan. 9. they not giving diligent heed to the holy Angel Gabâ—iels message but perversely swerved from it But Ierusalem was not a city of bondage in Davids and in Salomons times but it was an holy City and a faithfull Town yea it was so for the most part to be accounted till the ending of the Seventy Sevens but not any longer they doing cleaving to and resting in Salems
and feare of death Oh that selfe conceited and proud iniquity would once stop its mouth for every mouth shall be stopped and all the world shall be subject to the judgement of God Acts 13. and 15. Rom. 4 ult What the Law of works could not do the election hath obtained Rom. 11. VI. Mark that from this first and maine free promise God hath conveyed all comforts of wisdome justification or Freedome Sanctification and Redemption on fallen man and no way else can or ought to be sought after It could never have entred into the heart of man to thinke of this way if God of his rich Grace had not first declared this rich mystery of his will in a free promise how could our first fallen Parents have thought of a Redeemer much lesse of the meanes of obtaining such a Redeemer at the hands of God This mystery was ordained in Gods eternal Council and providence before the foundacion of the world was laid to be revealed upon Adams fall his ways are unsearchable his wisdome mercy power and love is past finding out and doubtlesse our first parents and all their faithfull posterity could but with admiration say the Epitaph not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things that God â—ath prepared for them that love him 1 Coâ— 2. Of him and through him and to him are all things To him be glory for ever Amen Esa 43.25 Esa 48.9 10 11. Rom. 11. Jer. 31.33 Jer. 32.39 Ezek. 36.25.26 VII Christ was promised a Redeemer not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but to make us in himselfe Sons of God even new creatures VIII All outward comforts come by promise in Christ severall godly persons of late years have done well in composing Treatises of the promises IX It is to admiration That Jehovah the eternall God should seeke to enter into a covenant of Grace with fallen man with the slaves of the Devill with enemies and with children of wrath that he should enter into a free promise and Covenant with us to be our God and to make us to be his people See his kindnesse to the polluted infant in Ezek. 16. X. All things are made subject to Christ as the heir of all from the first day of Adams fail but Satan doth labour with all sedulity to withdraw mans Blind heart from the understanding of this doctrine and doth labour to suggest fond imaginations of idolatry superstition bodily exercises and Fables c. to corrupt it and by persecution to hinder it yea to abolish it This is a Doctrine of Faith which no naturall man can attain untill his mind and divine illumination be regenerate and made capable to comprehnd this hid mystery of God in Christ All precepts promises and threatnings are ordained to bring fallen man to obey the Son of God as mediator All the victory administrations of Christs Kingdome by the word seals censures c. are for this purpose till the mediatorian Kingdome be redelivered 1 Cor. 15. But all things are cheifly intended for the Elect 1 Cor. 14.32 11. The second not on Gen. 12.13 may be of use here 12. Thus from the first preaching of the Gospell we must observe why Christ is called Alpha and Omega the first and the last not only in causes and effects but also of all divine Revelation in the blessed scriptures all runs on him All the Promises Threatnings Commandements Examples Chastisements c. all drive us to Christ he also is Alpha and Omega in all the praises of the Church he is also the maine matter and marke of the holy Bible All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and hee is the head of the body the Church Col 1.18 In 3. Q. The seed of the woman Hence Children should be first taught to read Gen 3. with Luke 3. and Luke 4 together for two principall ends first To know how Jesus our Lord is of the blessed Virgin Mary of Eli and of Adam and Eve naturally and in this respect the Genealogie of men in Luke 3. are the glory of mankind being all Fathers to the Son of God after the flesh 2. The better to compare the sorrowfull combate of Adam being killed on his first day from the life of the soule to death in sin with the glorious combate and victory of our Lord the second Adam driving Satan to flight and the reason why the Son of God should take hold of mans nature is purposely handled by the Apostle in Ebr. 2. Ebr. 3. Ebr. 4. Ebr. 5. Great is the mystery of Godlinesse God manifested in the flesh It is most glorious to consider it and how it hath been diligently taught in every age from Gen. 3.15 and for the better knowing of this mystery the Law of Moses was made the Tabernacle and the frame of the world and well might David and Solomon say with admiration That God would dwell with man on earth also in his apparitions to the Saints before the Flood and to the Patriarchs and Prophets he spake with us marke this corporation speech in Hos 12.4 At Bethel and dwelt among us in his Tabernacle and Ordinances then in the Temple till the captivity then in the second Temple and then at last he became very man making our flesh his Tabernacle and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 Cor. 6. but his speciall residence in us is in our hearts by Faith These things made singing affections in the Saints of old Ps 40. Ps 100. Ps 135. Ps 147. Ps 149. Ps 149.1 Chr. 16.1 King 8.2 Sam. 7. Joh. 17. Ex. 15. and any that duely consider this cannot but sing praises to the God of our Salvation In Q. 3. Of Adam in the Genealogie When the holy spirit bringeth Genealogies from the first man unto Jesus our Lord it may teach all men that the world was made and had a beginning so Moses Law taught Misgraim that is the Egyptians and others in his time and Ezra the Persians too before Aristotle and such Athean praters 1 Chron. 1.1 see Bro. in Manuscript In Q 4. and Answ He might govern Genesis sheweth how that by the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made all the setled Army of them by the spirit of his mouth and when man fell the word telleth That for the destroying of the workes of the Serpent hee would be made flesh and have a Tabernacle in our nature and so to be a second Adam to govern all things In which point the Patriarks faith is evidenced by the charge of Joseph to carry his bones with theirs unto the Land of Canaan where our Lords Resurrection should be a testimony of a new world see Bro. in Appo 1.108 The government of the world to come for so the Jewish Doctors did stile the dayes of Messiah is that meditorean Kingdome which the holy Prophet so magnifieth to endure through all ages and generations Ps 8. Ps 45. Ps 93. Ps
145. c. And this Kingdome of Christ the second Adam is handled in 1 Cor. 15. Ebr. 2. Eph. 1.22 from Ps 8. Namely That the Son eternall should rule as the mediator of his Church till all things be restored but then his Kingdome shall be delivered up when the last enemies death Sathan are perfectly subdued and destroyed Then all the elect which have been called justified and adopted in Christ by the word of his kingdome by the work of his spirit shall be presented unto the father and all prophesying and all other new victory sweet helps of our edification in the body of Christ shall cease for then shall be the fullnesse Eph. 4.11.12.13 In Q 4. Heire of all David with great admiration doth handle this in Ps 8. He the second Adam upholds all by the word of his power and this he shewed in Noah when all beasts and Elements obeyed him at the flood and so at the destruction of Sodom Jehovah from Jehovah rained fire and brimstone Gen. 16. and so in the days of Joshuah 10.11 In like sort those noble and excellent descriptions of Christ his person and Office in the three fold Offices of Prophet Preist and King are wonderfull for all sorts of heavenly and terrible Doctrine in Psal 2. Psal 45. Psal 110. Esa 9. Dan. 7. Dan 9. Dan. 10. Daq 12. and that in Apot. 1. may well comprehend the summe of them all but all of them should first be minded as expounding Gen. 3.15 Eph. 1.22.23 Col. 1.14.15 the Epistle to the Ebr. all of it He is the blessed only potentate to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim 6. Apoc 19. Joh 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hands wee must reverence the Heir and beleevingly obey him for Christ is appointed a Prince and a Saviour to give change of minde and forgivenesse of sins This was taught from the beginning that hee should be this horne of Salvation and of this Doctrine there have been prophets to declare it ever since the world began Luke 1.70 Act. 3.21 In Q. 4. From the day of mans fall All the time from the time of mans fall to the restoring of all things by the Messiah is called The World to come and it is subjected to the Messiah Ebr. 2.5 but the restitution of all things is first prophesied in Act. 3.21 In Q. and Answ 5. Satan brought man n. 1. Man was ever the object of Satans harred and as Christ was man of the seed of the deceived woman and appointed to combate with Sathan for mans Redemption so Christ was the object of Sathans most deadly hatred but such was the perfection of his obedience under his greatest enmity that hee spoiled principalities and powers even in his death on the crosse Col 2.15 and this comfort also belongs to all the persecuted Saints that this great Red Dragon is chained Apoc. 20. and shall shortly be utterly troden under our feet Rom. 16. In Q. 5. Christ the second Adam Christ destroyeth Sathans workes not only in us but from without us and this is â—n unchangeable truth in all those that are called according to Gods purpose Joh. 13.1 Christ is the restorer of all things in him wee have all things that appertaine to life and godlinesse he is the Corner stone that couples all the building and there is no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved Act. 4 None but Christ as blessed Lambard said Him hath God the Father sealed Joh. 6.27 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to all the Israel of God and forgivenesse of sins And this is a sure rule from the beginning He that beleeveth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that beleeveth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 3â—36 so then cursed was he that said Si illa illa colantur neque esse noxium si inter Gentilium aras Dei Ecclesiam quis transiens utraque vâ—nercâ—ur and little better are the Atheisticall moderators of our dayes 1631.1632.1633 1634.1635.1636.1637 In Q. 5. And Adoption And now little Children abide in him the second Adam that when he shall appear we may have boldnesse and not be ashamed before him at his coming 1 Joh. 2. By him wee have adoption Joh. 1.12 and his spirit doth enable us to cry Abba Father mark these scriptures Ebr. 4.14.15 16. Rom. 8.15 Eph. 2.18 Rom. 5.1 2. In Q 5. N. 11. Christ the second Adam Now Sathan the old Serpent spirituall weaknesses and the God of this world doth by Gods just judgement make war against us about super-celestiall things and wrastleth cunningly to hold us still in our most miserable estare of blindnesse imprisonment and bondage but by the power of the second Adam and by the word of his Grace we are set free and such as are blinde do receive their sight and by his grace we are made able to stand resist and overcome his Grace is in us and over us and the Apostle of the Gentiles salutes them all thus The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen Esa 42.6.7 Esa 49.9 Ephes 6.1 Ioh. 2 Rom 7. Esa 45. 24. In Q. 5. The life of holinesse In him was life and the life was the light of men Ioh 1. Ioh 8.12 The second Adam saith I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life his Law restoreth the soule Psal 19 Ps 23. Ephes 2.1 Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10.1 Coâ— 15.49 Esa 11 9.1 Ioh. 1. Ioh. 2 4. He is the true Shepherd and Bishop of our Soules In Q 5. N. 3. Christ the second Adam The appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ as it was promised hath brought life and immortality through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. Marthas and our Lords conference was heavenly the shewes that she expected life and immortality through him Ioh. 11.21 and 1 Cor. 15.1 Thess 4. And Iohs faith for this point is worthy of all consideration Ioh 19. Ps 46.15 Ps 17.15 Sin reigns to death through the first Adam but grace reigns through Righteousnesse or freedome to eternall life through Christ the second Adam Râ—m 5. The comparisons of the first and second Adam are most sweet in Rom. 5. and 1 Cor. 15. Secondly Consider further how our Lord doth sustaine us in this our pilgrimage he is said to hold our soules in life in him wee live he is our life and the lenghth of our dayes he provides and gives meanes of life meat to eat and cloathes to put on he is our preserver in all places and at all times he speaks to diseases to come and to go and when hee pleaseth to withold his preservation wee languish and dye the Godly have the feeling and knowledge of all this they finde they have their life from Jesus as from
the incarnation and resurrection how it hath been followed or contemned from the beginning with plaine and civill carriage in Gods wayes and satanean in the contrary and how * the goodnesse and severity of God hath beene answerable This containeth * the summe And the story of four thousand years to Jerusalems fall by Rome hath no more And all should gladly hear of this all their life and see Christs bright face still to this summe The book of God is open and easie to be understood Prov. 8.9 Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of CHAPTER 3. Quest 3. N. 2. The true Religion If any should question what Religion Sem was of the Answer may be that he was Preist to Jehovah the most high God the maker and possessor of Heaven and Earth as also that it was the same to which the Sons of Japhet were perswaded by the blessing of tongues and by the ministry of the Sons of Sem Gen. 14. Act. 2. Apoc. 14.7 1 Thess 1.9 10. And so Sems blessing did containe the same faith that the blessing did which God gave to Abraham Gen. 12. Marke well the Doctrine to the seven Churches of Japhets house in all the Apocalyps and so in all the Epistles of the Apostle of the Gentiles and in the Epistles of the Apostles of the circumcision Again he was of the same Religion and holy faith of his Father Noah who inherited the righteousnesse that is by faith and who pronounced this â—lessing on Sem. Heb. 11. Quest 3. N. 4. That the Gentiles The greatest favour that God bestoweth on men in this world is to make them of his family true members of his Church Ezekiel remembreth this to the Apostate Prince of Tyâ—us chap. 28.13 14. The godly Jewes foreseeing the calling of the Gentiles by the promises and prophesies of Gen. 9. and 12. rejoyced in spirit that Christ should raigne over them Psal 67. and 97. 1 Rom. 15.12 Zach. 8. and 14.9 And the Gentiles seeing the performance were glad Act. 13.46 But for two thousand years Satan the strong man kept a large and great possession by metamorphosed Fables and Idolatries In Quest 3. N. 5. And to perswade Universall and free will to good in the state of unregeneracy is vain and vain glorious Doctrin Noah was not of this faith and the calling of the Families to the faith by the preaching of the Apostles argueth the falshood of such Tenents Observe the speech of Christ to the Apostle concerning his Ambassage Act. 26.18 not only illumination but a turning from the power of Satan in the will and affections is all done by the mighty worke of Christ in his own Ordinances The fashioning of the spirit is his prerogative Esa 11. Eph 1.19 20 21 2.1 2 3. c. and by his strengthning and preventing we stand to our dying day 1 Pet. 1.5 The spirit convinceth false opinions and teacheth the true doctrine Eph. 6.10.11 Rom. 7.8 Ezek 11.19 and 36.26 Phil. â— 13 That all iniquity may stop her mouth Thus it is sayd of all that have the Prerogative of Sons which are born not of blouds nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Joh. 1.12 13. The house of Japheth needed much perswasion and beseeching to imbrace the word of reconciliation They had excellent naturall parts as their writings shew which made them despise the gospell The Grecians sought after wisdome 1 Cor. 1. Therefore God gave them a son of Sem an Apostle of exquisite parts and learning that he demonstrated all their wisdome to be foolishnesse and cast downe their high imaginations by the invincible weapons of the spirituall warfare N. 8. Q. 3. That scorners Let inferiours beware of Satans deceits in causing them to slight yea in heart their superiours though for their sins and infirmities And let Superiours give no occasion but be sober grave temperate sound in the faith in charity in patience c. Tit. 2. But it is not for infirmities that the children of the wicked one hate the godly but for the image of Christ that shines in them for they can bear with the same sins in their own yet the wicked are glad and insult to see the holy image of Christ stained by any blot of the Saints and this by Gods just judgment is a stumbling block to the wicked to harden them in their sinfull courses N. 8. Procure much evill Cham is cursed to his youngest Son Chanaan Gen. 9. Exod. 20 5. Also it is observable how the wrath of Christ hath followed Chams posterity that the Negroes are slaves in diverse countries to this day even servants of servants Quest 5. And Nimrod King Abaddon may fiâ—ly be compared to Nimrod both infamous cut-throat hunters both intruders into other mens possessions both abhorred Christs Kingdome of Justice and Peace Gen. 10.9 11 12. 2 Thes 2. My Son fear the Lord and the King and meddle not with them that are given to change for their destruction shall rise suddenly Prov. 24. This is also notable as in Nimrod so in Korah in Absolom in Sheba Ben-Bichrio in the unlawfull Kingdome of Ephraim and in the whole policy of the man of Sinne See in all the transgression and the punishment and beware what did it prove madnesse of counsell in them to change Melchisedecks Kingdome for Nimrods Kingdome so it is to change the true Melchisedeck for King Abaddon so they abhorred Christ the Lord of glory for the unclean infidells the Caesars John 19.15 N. 8 Over them King One ornament of Kings may here be remembred which Sems story doth show which is the antiquity of a kingdome and the fatherly government thereof that before Tyranny sprang in was Mr. Bro Treatise of Melchiz N. 8. Justice and Peace A worthy example for Princes so to rule by just Lawes uncontrolable then they shall rule men willingly subject for they have from Christ honour and authority above their Brethren so to governe But none can well rule that cannot well obey the sceptor of Christs Kingdom Psal 45. It is hard when he that cannot order his own life shall be made the Judge of anothers for the Kingdome of Christ is in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the holy Ghost The apostate families felt none of this Princes and subjects that seek not so to order and to be ordered in their policies shall finde the power of Christ crossing their purposes and plaguing their dominions N 8. Of Sems owne The Church is not visibly glorious at all times of sixty seven families there was but one family that held the faith and the Hebrew tongue and that was the line of Christ of Sems house so Israel in Egypt revolted often in the book of Iudges and under Jeroboams kingdome after in Iudah and after the returne from captivity and under the Papacy and now after reformation will not Apostacy be againe when that the Son of man shall scant finde faith on the earth at his second coming
mystical Egypt and mystical Babylon have cursed and do seek still the destruction of our nation especially of the Gospel yet while we keep our covenant they shall never prevail Balaams counsel was more dangerous than his curse for his counsel being followed brought a plague O ye Princes O ye people do ye not know that the sincere Word and the holy seed is the subsistence of your Kingdomes and common-weals towns and families Esay 6.13 Every childe of God is a publique good Minde one thing more how those thor did seem to be of the truth and were brethren touching the outward circumcision yet cursed the servants of Christ that would not walk in their waies traditions devises and abominations Esay 66.5 and in after times they so used the poor blind man John 9. So have the cruel Prelates used the dear servants of the Lord they did curse yet Christ did bless and hath and will pay his enemies home that abuse his ordinances for if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ anathema maranatha is his heavy Censure 1 Cor. 16.22 Ibidem N. 12. Cast out the servant and her son Without shall be lyars Lyars in judgement as all Papatines be Whosoever transgresseth and abideth nor in the doctrine of Christ hath nor God he that continueth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son 1 John 2.24 2 John 2.9 Be it that they sometimes confesse the doctrine of Christs person yet both in their doctrine and practise they deny it because they deny him in his offices and administrations for which he became such a person and such a Mediator And oh what lying blasphemies do they utter against the holy records that testifie of the eternal Son the Mediator Popery is a mystery of iniquity N. 13. The word of faith in our own languages In the Law it is written with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people and yet for all that they will not hear me saith the Lord Wherefore tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but for them which believe Esay 28.11 1 Cor. 14.21 This looks back to Nimrods rebellion they despised the faith taught by Noah Sem and the rest of the godly fathers before Abraham in their knowen language therefore Christ cut them off from the faith by strange languages When Israel despised the things of the Law of Christ written for their comfort see how he in this would avenge the quarrel of his covenant Deut. 28.49 and fulfilled it Ier. 5.15 2 Chron. 36. If it be then such a deer blessing to have Moses and the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles speak to us in our own language let the saints worship God with hearty praise and thanksgiving so did David Psalm 103.7 and 147. 19. All are abominable idolatrous and false worshippers and unclean infidels that Christ speaks not to in their own language by his blessed Gospel as all the Babylonian builders and their seed to this day and the mystical Babylonian builders It is much to be considered that when the churches departed from the Apostles doctrine Christ confounded the Europian and Asian languages VVhen it was prophesied of the calling of the Gentiles to the faith of the Gospel it is said I will turn to the people a pure language which was fulfilled when Christ sanctified all tongues as it is said We do here them speak in our own languages the wonderfull works of God Acts 2.11 Zeph. 3.9 VVhereas for two thousand years the Gentiles Noahs families called on idols names We little consider the severity of the wrath of Christ in the confusion of tongues what a plague it is and will be to the end of the world most sad is that scripture Jer. 44.26 3 Quest of his covenant and promise God did not first give a seal and then made a Covenant but first made a Covenant and a promise as to our first parents Gen. 3.15 and then taught them of the seal the Sacrifices so to Noah God made a Covenant and then gave him the seal of the Floud and of the Ark so in Gen. 9. first the Covenant and then the Rainbow so to Abraham so each godly parent must seek to know God in Christ in the Covenant and to be in covenant for them and their children And it is to be marked C ham had an outward blessing in the covenant with his father for he was of Noahs houshold Heb. 11 7. and he and his children had continued in the same if he had not and his son mocked and scorned his father for which both of them were excommunicated and Chams house feared not but waxed worse and worse against Christ and his Kingdome and set up a tyranny in Nimrod to give the affront to Sems blessing Again note when the merciful God made a covenant with all flesh man and beast were not young as old comprised in the covenant a sucking chile and a lamb as the parent Gen. 9.9 10 11. Quest 4. Of justification or remission of sins The apostate and adulterous generation in our Lords daies that did adulterate the faith missed stating Circumcision as a part of the Law or Covenant of Works a school distinction of their own neither of Moses nor of the Prophets whereas it was rightly understood a law and seal of faith in Christ and the seal of justification that is by faith Their fac hoc is credere in our Lords interpretation of the Law to believe in him whom the Father had sealed and sent to be the true manna and sacrifice and their perfect justification and freedome as was told them Acts 13.38 39. And as they missed in stating circumcision a Law of works ex opere operato to justification so they did of all the politic of Moses that it did initiate them unto which yet they could not do being too heavy a yoke Acts 15. Now they despising Christ the end and scope of the law of Moses they made their own justification their idol and vanity and so provoked Christ to their rejection confer Deut. 32.21 with Rom. 10.19 That speech is very strong that the Lord Jesus spake Iohn 7. that circumcision was not so much of Moses but observed of the Fathers before Moses was born They should have considered in what sense Abraham received it and used it Rom. 4. Ibidem God did justifie the circumcision so this is clear God did justifie the infants of Israel for else he would not have commanded circumcision to infants this was to comfort all godly parents that although they knew their children were conceived in sin and born in iniquity yet God knew how for his covenant sake not for our sakes to justify that is to free infants from sins guiltiness filthiness and desert and to comfort godly parents of the Gentiles touching their infants the Apostle saith God is not the god of the Iews
Deut. 31.11 27 28 29. such waited but for an opporeunity of Moses death and Ioshuahs and the godly Elders then they did shew themselves so blessed Paul spake of Wolves and apostasie Acts 20. It is hard for us to deny all of the first Adam and wholly submit to be taught and guided in the doctrine of the second Adam the Lord from heaven Quest 8. Answ N. IV. Of Melebisedecks and Levies sacrifice hood See the Apostles disputation concerning Melchesedeck Heb. 5. 6 7. who was still alive after a sort in discription As the holy Prophet David taught the people of his dayes and what use they should make of the Land of Promise Psalm 95. and of the use and end of the sacrifices and washings c. Psalm 40. 51. So he taught them that Levies Priesthood should have an end for that our glorious Lord Iesus Christ is made a sacrificer for ever ofter the order of Malchesedek and not after Aarons order of the Levitical Priesthood where neither the persons or things that Levi did could justifie the doers or commers thereunto Now the Lord Jesus Christ he was promised and prophecied of in all the old holy volume of the book of God that he was made a Mediator and a Surety a Sponsor of such an Administration that should perfectly save and justifie them that came unto God by him He was of God the Father none else could made a Sponsor a surety All the sacrifices that he commanded our Fathers they did them till the fullness of times did come and then he did send his beloved Son and Servant in whom his soul delights he took unto him true humanity and was a Sponsor a Surety of a better Testament i.e. The Mediatour of the New Testament for their full conâ—olation to comfort them concerning their works and concerning the sorrows of their hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed He shall do that which all Levites tribe could not ex opere operato Levies Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from the guilt of our sinful works not procure a blessing on our Labours nor make a new world his Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from dead works to serve the living God c. And for this cause Christ was a Sponsor of a better covenant And Christ himself faith he will become this Sponsor and Mediatour to answer the will of the Father Lo I come to do thy will O God thy Law and appointment for the redemption of thy people that thou hast given me is in my heart to give my self a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling favour of rest God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not counting their trespasses unto them For be made him to be a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. Much more might be said but let the people of God study the Scriptures their inheritance God hath a time and a day wherein he will burn up the hay stubble and rotten wood of impertinent applications and interpretations Ibid. N. I V. Is not an bidd doctrine It is not an hidden thing nor a wonder for thee O Israel for this doctrine that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be man hath been taught to thy Fathers from the beginning and that he should be the great High Priest and Sacrifice and that he should raise himself from death to give hope to all faithful of their resurrection Israel should not make doubt of this doctrine Yet it is a Wonder as Ethan sings of it Psalm 89. great is the mystery of Godliness But this hath been ever taught in the Church this doctrine is the faith of Gods elect and the Churches possession Ioh. 1. Levi the Tribe appointed to reach divinity should never have been graven in the bright and pleasant Smaragd if the stories of this Art had been dark â—et had been a fitter stone for darkness The minde of man may have abundant satisfaction and strong confidence concerning the doctrine of the way of life by holy and humble diligent study of the Scriptures And they that will not believe Moses and the Prophets will not believe though one should rise from the dead Quest 9. and Answ Taught by tradition Note the doctrine of faith one and the same whether by Tradition or Writing For those 2513. years the faith of the Gospel was propagated by tradition by great prophets of long life and great authority and sacrifices as seals of the Covenant added for confirmation of doctrine Quest 10 and Answ Midian Although Abraham taught his houshold the faith of Christ as is seen in the book of Ioh yet many of his posterity apostated to that idolatry religion and opinion with which he was corrupted at YR others fell to the false faith religion and opinion of Peor Jos 23. 24. and did seek to curse the true faith of Gods elect and the holy people of that profession Num 23. 24. Midian was of Abraham by Ketâ—rah The world was then full of false opinions and heretical Doctrines as now they could plead for Nachors Teraphim for Peor for Chemosh and Milâ—ham c. but Israel must hearken to the Law and Testimony that Christ gave them so Moses and Iosuah most pathetically a little before their deaths exhorted them to regard the holy Law and not to follow the traditions of their fathers or of the Nations Ios 24. Deut. Quest 11. and Answ And wou'd have gone into Egypt again Like them are our Popish fools that would go into Rome Egypt again for their Fish Flesh pots Leeks Garlick Onions Cucumbers Melons their doctrines of bodily exercise of Images Pilgrimages the dotage of Purgatory c. goodly Cates sure to be compared to the heavenly Manna of Gods word and Gods dwelling in his tabernacle among us We do not consider the glorious presence in Christ in his Ordinances and protection c since he brought us from among them By the Gospel the way of Christ the face of God shineth upon us The Gospel is the object of promise joy and gladness to every honest hearted Christian Let our apostate hearts remember Lots wife in looking back to Rome-Sodome Christ complained Israel would none of me Oh that we could think of these things What one nation on the earth hath been like us for mercies and how ill have we requited the Lord as Israel did so do we Psal 81. Deut. 32. Ibid. Of their forefathers The idolatry of Terah and Abraham continued above 500 years to the death of Iosuah yea long after Iosuah 24. 2.14 Observe how fast idolatry and superstition and will worship sticks in the heart of posterity Although they had the fiery Law expounded by Moses and miracles to confirm them of the truth of that Religion that holy faith of the Son of God Moses taught and possessed Canaan in the obedience of that holy faith and many chastisements for
under the Sun is vain and the Kingdome of Christ is not of this world but the promise of the eternal Throne to David was spiritually to be taken and to his Scepter all must yield subjection that hope to stand in judgement when he calleth all to accompt for their works with every secret thing whether it be good or evil And Salomons case alone noble in the vanity of this world and the first and the last that had all this world at will might have taught Herod Pilate Caesars and Concision that the pomp of this world is not fit to breed poverty of spirit to breed mourning to breed meeknesse to breed hunger and thirst after righteousness to finde the Kingdom of heaven And that the King eternal invisible blesseth men only to his invisible Kingdome Ibid. Seeking by the outward work to be justified Opus operatum bodily exercise even this now at this day is the foolish conceit and practise of all the carnal Christians in the world Eccles 5.1 The coming unto God by faith in Christ as Habel they care not for as Kain In the story of Kain and Abel the carriage of all deceitfull hypocrites and true Worshippers is contained Outward religion may be the vessel of an incarnate Devil as well as of a sanctified soul it is as capable of hypocrisie of murder and uncleanness and all iniquitie as of sincerity c. as in Kain Iscariot and the Whore in the proverbs Prov. 7.14 whom the ten Tribes followed as an Ox to the slaughter and the whore in Apoc. 17. whom ten Kingdomes followed drunken with the wine of her Fornication The opinion of self-sufficiency and resting in outward performances brought many plagues to the whole house of Israel and to captivity as Psal 50 c. c. And at last scattered them as Kain into the four windes of the heaven and made their habitation desolate to this day And this doctrine of bodily exercise and mens â—â—aditions brought apostasie as a plague to the Christian Churches 1 Tim. 4.1 to 8. The warming our hearts with such sparks will make us ly down with cold comfort in darkness and sorrow For it is a forgetting of God and they have base barren and unworthy conceits of the Holy One of Israel that think he will comply with such idolatrous and easy devotions for they could not do less to an idol Pelagian heresies and bodily exercise will eare out all power of godliness the one is the doctrine of popery and the other is the religion of popery compare Col. 2 23. with câ—ap 3.1 2 3. and minde Esay 1. Psalm 50. Jer. 7. Ibid. and once more finally Dan. 9.27 shews by whom And this speech yet once more signifieth the removing of things shaking as made with hands that the things which shake not way remain Wherefore seeing we receive a Kingdome which cannot be shaken let us hold Grace by which we may serve God aright with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming sire Heb. 12. Hag. 2. Mark how this speech opens Dan 2.44 and chap. 7. Therefore Abaddons Kingdome is to be held anathâ—ma of all true Christians for building of ther which Christ hath shaken and adnulled But what care Princes for these things they will rather embrace the enchanting whore Apoc 17. than make the word of God their delight but Christ hath and will burn and shake their Kingdomes and Common Weals Ibid. David foretold them this David shewed his house could not be upright with God but would be thornes and must be burnt and that therefore they should expect a better King and Kingdom So the revolting and wavering Hebrews through misbelief concerning Christs Kingdome and Priesthood would prove to be but thornes and briars whose end was burning Psalm 22 40. 95. 2 Sam. 23. Observe Ethan all Psal 89. Heb. 6.8 10 29 30 31. Quest 14. and answ and made a decree for return as Jehovâ—h promised that a remnant should return so he performed For Israel hath not been forsaken nor Iudah of his God of Iehovah of hosts though their land was filled with fin against the Holy One of Israel Ier. 51.5 CHAP. IX With Questions Answers and Annotations for the time of the seventy Sevens in Dan. 9. Shewing how Redemption and the Covenant of grace was taught and opposed in this Space of time QUest What remaining Text doth yet continue the golden chain of times with which Gods eternall Counsel and riches of his glorious mystery in Christ was further revealed to the Elect Answer Dan. 9.24 25 26 27. This Scripture is a Text full of shining glory overshining all the Doctrine of the old Testament and an Abridgement of the new QUest 2. Repeat the Scripture with some more of that Chapter as a preparation to observe the Angels heavenly message the better Answer verse 1. In the first year of Darius the son of Achasuerosh of the seed of Madai in which he was made King over the Realm of the Chaldeans 2. In the first year of his Reign â— Daniel marked by books the number of the years whereof the word of Jehovah had been unto Jeremiah the Prophet for the accomplishing in the ruines of Jerusalem seventy years 3. And I turned my face to the Lord God and sought by Prayer and Supplication with Fasting with sackcloth and ashes 3. And I prayed unto the eternall my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadfull God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and to them that keep his commandements 5. We have sinned and we have committed iniquity and have done wickedly and have rebelled even by departing from thy Precepts and from thy judgements 6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy Servants the Prophets which spake in thy name to our Kings to our Princes and to our fathers and to all the people of the Land c c. 20. And as I was yet speaking and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and presenting my supplications before the eternall my God for the holy Mountain of my God 21. Even as I was yet speaking in prayer the man Gabriel whom I had seen afore in a vision came unto me flying with vehemency untill he touched me at the time of the Evening oblation 22. And he gave understanding and talked with me and said Daniel I am now come forth to give thee skill of understanding 23. At the beginninng of thy prayers came forth the word which I am come to tell thee because thou art greatly beloved Therefore conceive the word and perceive the clear vision 24. Seventy sevens of years are exactly accounted for thy people and for thy holy City to finish Trespasse-offerings and to end sin-offerings and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring righteousness everlasting and to seal vision and Prophet and to shew (a) Vi. M. Bro. translation of Daniel in English printed at Hanaw Ebr. Messiah CHRIST the Holy
there were the Master-builders and others with them that made up 120. then they converted 5000. and many moe at severall times these with many others with the Apostles by persecution were scattered East West North and South to build the heavenly Ierusalem Now the lively waters in this City and from Christ the true temple issue and run into all the world and then multitudes of Jews and Gentiles came to keep the feast of tabernacles crying Hâ—sanna salvation to God and the Lamb with palms in their hands Zac. 14. Ezek. 47.1 2. Apoc. 7.9 10. Col 1.8 2 Thes 3.1 1 Pet. 1.1.2 3. c. c. c. Christ expounds Ezekiel that he was the Temple from whom the quickning waters flow Iohn 4. and 5 8 9 and 7. and the Councell Acts 15. expounding Amâ—i 9. expounds Ezekiels last chapters and the other Prophets and the Epistle to the Hebrews and the first of Peter doth the same and we must note when the word was made fruitfull over the world then and not before Titus Vesp destroyed the low Jerusalem Ibid. with the gift of tongues By the blessing of tongues they that were once darknesse are made light in the Lord Ehp. 5. the confusion of tonges brought darknesse and from that time to this the glorious mystery of Christ was hid in types and figures among the godly of Sems house from the ages and generations of apostate families Ibid. Resurrection from death From death Acts 2.27 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 phrases gracae de hominis morte perturbant inassuetâ—s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contra epituros dum spiravit Graetia personuit idque ubt de justis sermo eraet hebehatur felicissimum Christianis satis erat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apud Patres 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haec duo idem Hebraeis erat ire in paradisum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dolendum Gehennum gehenaeos dolores ex ignorationâ— vocum consuetudinum circa salutiferum D N. mortem tam mortiferos errores peperisse Mr. Bro. in his second Edition of his Latine concent p. 151. Ibid. Then tongues Nations and people of all Kingdomes A Jerusalem Catholick Then the Kings of Tharshish and of the Isles brought presents the Kings of Sheba and Seba brought gifts doing homage to the eternall King then the root of Jessai stood up for a sign of healing he healeth our natures Isa 11. and rest to the Nations the families of the sons of Noah of Assur of Mitzraim of Pathros of Chush of Elam of Shinar Hamath Pul Lud Tubal c. Now Japheth is perswaded and all families of the earth did blesse the true Salomon and were blessed in him Psal 72. Isa 11. and 66. Acts 2. 1 Pet. 1.1 2 3 4. That speech of Moses Deut. 32. and cited Rom. 10. must here be minded They have moved me to jealousie with that which is not God and they have provoked me to anger with their vanities and I will move them to jealousie with those that are Lo-ammi no people I will provoke them to anger with a foolish Nation A Metaphoricall speech of divorcing terrour to the Jew and of Matrimoniall loving kindnesse to the Gentile see the jealous envy of the Jews Acts 13. 14. and 17. 1 Thes 2.15 16. Eph. 2 7. Luke 20.16 Mat. 2 1.43 Ibid. N. 1. By faith and obedience Untill Christ did shine unto us heathens and turn us from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan to God we should never have once thought upon much lesse have walked in the way of life universall grace and free will to walk in holinesse and righteousnesse from naturall abilities are foolish proud fantasticall erroneous conceits The Ephesians and Golossians c. were dead in trespasses and sins till Christ the second Adam by his Gospel did shine in their minds yea and after conversion wrought in them both to will and to do of his own good will Eph. 2. Phil. 2.13 Ibid. N. 1. Giving honour and glory O let the Nations be glad and sing for joy for thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the Nations upon earth Psal 67. and 96.10.11 12 13. Acts 17.31 Jehovah reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitudes of the Isles be glad Psal 97. Let the Gentiles praise God for mercy Psal 18. Rom 15. Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people Deut. 32. And when the Gentiles heard it they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternall life believed Acts 13. Isa 54.1 2. N. 1. Obtained the same like precious faith This faith is it that maketh us Citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God and of the common-weal of Israel and to have interest in the covenants of promise and hope of immortall glory and they shall not be citizens with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the heavenly city and countrey that are not of their faith they have no right nor portion nor memoriall in Ierusalem Mat. ch 8 Luke 13. The faithfull being cityzens then they have they and their children the priviledges of the City in Ezekiel and Apocalips they being of the houshold of God they and their children have chambers in the City they being made inheritours they and their children have a portion in the Land Ezekiel speaks of Eph. 2.19 and 3.5 But these words they are spirit and they are life A glorious inheritance Eph. 1.18 and the measures of the Temple who is Christ the heighth depth length breadth of whose love mercy kindness and compassion c. is immensurable passeth knowledge and in whom we are an holy Temple to be the habitation of God Jehovah Shammah Eph. 2.21 22. Who filleth all his with the fullness of his goodness and favour as the cloud of his presence filled the Temple Oh mercy to be admired but what a small portion do we understand Ibid. N. 2. And the names of the Lambs twelve apostles upon the twelve precious jewels This sheweth they taught no new Doctrine but the same which the Tribes had of old Exod. 28. Apoc. 21. URIM and THUMMIM in the breast-plate of Faith and Love stood among the twelve Tribes as all rules of faith and carriage of life is in the twelve Parriacks stories and the New Testament hath no more nor other foundation surely the true story of the twelve Tribes taught Apoc. 21. by their names teach others a passage into the City As the Urim and Thummim was placed among the twelve stones so where Christ breaths in his Ordinances we are taught of God whereby the faithfull are precious jewels and such are glorious in Eden the Garden of God Isa 54. Ezek. 28. These Meditations will make to vanish those conceits that Moses polity given by Christ was not a Covenant of grace And these things well considered will stablish us against the prattle of the Anabaptists and Antinomians We are debtours to the Jews to this day Rom. 15.17 All heavenly and spirituall Doctrine came to us
from Sems Tents and by the Doctrine of Sems sons the Prophets and apostles all Doctrine is to be tried and not by the best Orthodox Churches Ibid. N. 2. The twelve foundations of the Wall The apostle Paul was graven on the Jasper first foundation so he should be the head of the Church not Peter The twelve Jewels had the names of the twelve apostles then where is Peter above the rest his Epistles are pearls and so are Pauls and the other apostles the Spirit of God spake in them and no one could be above another but each stood a foundation on the Rock Christ the eternall Son of God Ephes 2.20 There are stronger proofs or moe arguments to make St. Paul or Saint John head of the Church than any Papalyn can bring for Saint Peter vide Mr. Henry Ainsworth and Mr. Bernard Mr. Ainsworth against Locust Ainsworth Mr. Bernard Khemos against Rome page 130. CHAP. XIV With Questions Answers and Annotations shewing who have the Spirituall blessings of the Covenant and who the Curses QVest 1. and Answ Who were enemies that did rage and imagine vain things against the Christ of God the Rock upon whom the Church is builded despising the Counsel of God against themselves Answ The high Sacrificers the Pharisees Sadduces and Scribes Herod Pontius Pilate and the loathsome Romane infidels the Caesars and their people persecuting this faith first in crucifying the Lord of glory and after persecuting the Church for 300 years and it is remarkable as it is said in the Alpha of the word that the seed of the Serpent should persecute the seed of the woman so it is said in the Omega of the same that the Dragon the old Serpent the Devil and Satan doth persecute the seed of the woman that is Them that keep the Commandements of God and have the testimonie of Jesus Christ QUest 2. How doth the goodnesse of God reward the faith of the Saints in the holy and constant profession of his name Ans By faith they obtained good report with God and God is not ashamed of them to be called their God whence proceedeth sweet peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost who stirs them to and helps them in that most heavenly exercise of prayer whereby they have unspeakable consolation in all their tribulatin for that the Spirit of Christ doth inable them by patience to possesse their souls and work in them and seal unto their hearts an assured and lively hope of things not seen of eternall rest and a Crown of righteousnesse which the Lord will give unto them at that day and to all those that love his bright appearing QUest 3. What severity was executed on those that set themselves and took counsell together against the Lord his anointed the King of Mount Sion Answ The thrice holy the Lord God omnipotent which was which is and which will be sitting as a King on a Throne in the heaven of the Church and administring the government thereof to the end of the world by the Mediation of the Son eternall who being the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (a) The Jews and Romanes despising Christs Kingdome and sacrifice-hood were plagued greatly as Psal 2. 1 10. The seven Seals and four horses did plague the Empire did tear in pieces the Jews his own people spoken of afore and the Romane Empire for he riding as on a white horse of Justice and Power plagued the world by the horses and Arrows of his vengeance (b) Red horse bloudy Warre (c) Black horse Famine * Pale horse Pestilence and through the cry of the innocent blood of Martyrs a grave of destruction following the unclean infidels the Emperours and their people to the ruine of the Empire that all men cryed to the mountains to fall upon them and the hills to cover them and in the world to come endlesse misery and vengeance in the Lake of flaming fire QUest 4. Had the Church rest after 300 years Answ Yea for God raised up Constantinus a good Christian Emperour so that the Church had rest and did wonderfully increase but this peace was quickly interrupted by the tares of ambition schisme and heresies of Ecclesiastical Teachers QUest 5. Did Constantinus continue the Romane Empire Answ No he removed the Seat of his Empire to Constantinople so that Rome in Italy was little set by for many years and often burned by the Goths and Vandals and at last by them brought to an extream ruine Then the sixth head or polity of Rome was made dead QUest 6. Was there not an Apostasie from the faith of the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine after the Empire of Rome was made dead Answer 1. Yea for the Spirit spake evidently that there would be an apostasie or falling away The misterie of iniquity was working in the apostles dayes and quickned secretly still by divers means Doctrines of Devils and worship of Devils with sundry corruptions superstitions and heretical Doctrines were continually springing The Churches left their first love zeal watchfullnesse and diligence and when the Empire the with-holder was dead presently after multitudes of hereticks arose 2 Thes 2.6 which with covetousnesse and ambition of Bishops exceedingy furthered the appearance of King Abaddon and his Locusts out of their bottomlesse Pit 2. For the first second and third Centuries this was generally received of the faithfull Jew and Gentile that God was One in holy Trinity Apot. 7.9 10. and Vnity and salvation was ascribed to God and the Lamb Christs sole mediation And in the Confession of this faith all the Saints the Elders and people cast down their Crowns before Gods Throne and fell down before God and the Lamb with all joyfull acclamations of praise blessing honour glory and power for the mighty Creation and gracious Redemption 3. But after those three Centuries hereticks and false Teachers more corrupted the Doctrine of God and Christ and Saints and angels were glorified as Mediatours and prayed unto c. But the Lord God takes care as Apoc. 7. for his elect both of Jews and Gentiles that they might be kept safe the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this Seal the Lord knoweth who are his Therefore he takes order for their sealing to be kept from the deceit of the perillous times that hastened and those that are sealed make a most holy solemn and glorious confession of the faith according to the Prophets and apostles Doctrine and by this Confession the sealed servants of God are known in all ages The rest of the seventh Chapter shews the gracious priviledges of the Saints 4. And Christ forewarned the backsliding of the Churches by the seven Trumpets and shewed much mercy for the fourth fifth and sixth Centuries by stirring up the Spirit of some Christian Emperours for summoning Bishops to Councels to represse their ambition contention schisme and heresies of the which the first four generall Councels were the most orthodox 5. Also in those Centuries
This is against the Divos and Divas of the New Empire of Holinesse in title They had and have Patrons and Patâ—onesses of Countries Cities Houses Cattels Trades c. as the old heathen As the covenant of God in Christ was the same in the old and New Testament onely the outward administration changed so the idolatry is the same onely the names and administration changed putting a new face on things But the Lord Jesus Christ is the head and all things are put under his feet Psal 8. and he ruleth all for the comfort of his redeemed All things were created by Him and for Him See for one trade or handicraft of great use in the world what is said Esa 54.16 17. and as the Smith may be an enemy yet he is further incouraged by Counsellors and men of State who sit and conspire against the Lord and his People the Saints by slanders and lies and false suggestions c. But Christ over rules the trade and Counsel of the Smith Vul-kain was the God of Smiths to thâ— Heathens a Clement a titulary Saint to the Papists The Jews from heathens had Citic-gods Ier. 2. so Vigilins was the tutelary Saint of the valley of Trent Hist Council Trent lib. 2. But when the Saints held the faith sincere see their holy protestation Psal 46. 48. 127. and well they might so protest upon the promise Exo. 34.23 24. And who hath been the Redeemer and Protector of England not tabulous St. George from the people of that cursed Kingdom of the Beast in all those treasons and invasions of theirs specially in eighty eight and one thousand six hundred and five The eternal God hath been our refuge his everlasting arms have been under us he hath been the Shield of our help and the Sword of our glory But we may now sear the Scripture of Deuteronomy 31.16 17. c. will be fulfilled in our nation and that we nor our children shall see such seventy six years of the Gospel with such protection peace plenty riches honour victory and all prosperity as leâ—emy 13.11 ah our glory is departing N. 4. The Spirit of some Christian Emperours but in after times Princes had not that love to the truth for Emperoâ—rs strife was with the Popes for authority little or nothing for Divinity And so alass to this day men would never search Gods word the wealthy and Principal of State but remit that over unto others as a base work for themselves to regard whereby God then and now doth cast of the world and hence it was that subjects in Parliament ever stood greatly for their own liberties but for the sincerity liberty and power of Christs ordinances they never so contended wherefore he chastised them and will still in causing their Liberties to be infringed and their Land-markes to be removed N. 5. The spirituall supremacy Heresin pestileâ—issimam vid. Mr. Cade justif lib. 1.53 The mystery of iniquity did not simply consist in Superiority But the B. B. and D. D. not holding sincerity to the Head and Foundation Christ Iesus inventing each his opinions and superstitions drawing disciples after them And they would be angry c. if they were not believed and obeyed because that they did was not without a shew of wisdome and Holinesse Col. 2.16 18 23 and this went on by degrees from age to age till all iniquitiâ— was perfected in the Pontificalitie Cade Iustif lib. 2.57 lib. 1.31 Corruptions began even from the Apostles times But the Papal authoâ—ity chiefly corrupted and darkned the glory and honour of Christs kingnome in all things It corrupteth the written word the Seals of the covenant the Ministery of Christs ordination and the Censures c. Therefore the warning of the Spirit must prevail with Gods people to remember the commandments and words of the Apostles that is their doctrine the Pattern of wholesome words All learned in things controverted concerning the Worship of God or any doctrine should have recourse to the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles for definitive sentence not to Fathers and Councils nay not to the best reformed churches Therefore of old it was said To the-Law and to the Yeslimony Esay 8. and also it is said He that knâ—wâ—th God heareth us 1 John 4. But man born a wild asse-colt would be self-wise And we naturally bear in us an onimious minde to Gods revelation ever since our first parents hearkned to Satan Gen. 3. Oh cursed corrupted nature that is now more ready to follow man or devil then the Son of God Christ Iesus the second Adam Christ is wonderfull tender of his own ordinances he is nice touchy and jealous this maketh our corruption fret vex and fling and to hate Christ Exod. 20. thinking him to be too curious as Kain Gen. 4. because his own commanded or dinances is our rule and him to be worshipped in them with-all the minde all the soul all the strength all the understanding even all our all 's And an honest heart will say as the Saints have said Thy 〈◊〉 dis very pure therefore thy Servant lâ—veth it a gain I hate vain inventions but thy law do I love Psalm 119. An holy soul is as scrupulous as jealous as nice as Gods is It is impossible but he should be so in the regenerate part and he will not speak in thought that Gods commandements are burdensome but unbelievers and superstitious hypocrites and masters of traditions in a raging and fretting mood they are so alwaies called Christs ordinances bands and cords Psalm 2. Quest 7. and Answ With worldly wisdom pomp ambition c. Mr. White way to the true Church pa. 140. Mr. Cade justif lib. 2.256 257 c. Wretched and unlearned Scholars turned all the doctrine of God to ambition and tyranny superstition and heresie Politicians to profanenesse In those daies and after the sweet influences of comforting aires and windes of wholesome doctrine was with held and did weakly breath in the church and shortly turned to hellish smoke out of the pit Apoc. 9. But the sealed of God in all ages Christ took care of Then was fulfilled that which was prophecied The time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine or healing doctrine but having sore ears after their own lusts shall beap to themselves teachers and shall turn their cars from the truth and shall be given unto sables 2 Tim 4. Acts 20.30 Then they became naked of holy truths Apoc. 16.15 The second Adam and his doctrine is the garment with which our inner man is bravely clothed Romans 13.14 Ephestans 4.20 21. Apocalyps 3.18 Ezekiel 16. Quest 8 and answ Nâ—t Christ the Lamb slain cast fire on the earth the seven Trumpers sound the mischiefs that wicked apostate Rome should cause consider Psalm 110 for their robellion against the true Mâ—lchâ—zedecks kingdome and sacrifice-hood Iude 11. Ibid. as preparations to the first Trumpet The mystery of iniquity was working from the Apostles times and men successively
words and fair speeches Like the old schismaticall Romanists that by such means made Divisions and offences against the Doctrine of Christ See how the mystery of iniquity began to work even in Rome in the apostles dayes Rom. 10.17.2 Thes 2. In Rome they not onely schismed from the holy Doctrine but from the righteous Doctrine of lawfull powers ordained of God Rom. 13. N. 6. To creep into Kings Courts Such are fittest for Achabean Kings Courts which hate the true Michaiahs Let Jehosaphats Court look to it They can never make an holy Court if there were 400 of them and 450. If Jehosaphat notwithstanding what Michaiah said will yet go to Ramoth Gâ—lead with Achab Jeroboam-man of sinne his Religion Let the Princes of the Papacy wrangle together Let the Reformed maintain the glorious Gospel and keep at home and stand upon their defence and not weaken themselves in men and money and ammunition yet to do as Simeon and Judah did and to help the Lord against the mighty Jud. 1. and 5. Note also as it was a plague to Pharaoh and old Egypt that God brought frogs into his Land into his bed-chamber and upon his bed and into the Egyptian houses so it is a plague that the frogs of Rome-Egypt come into the Territories of Princes to have entertainment either into their Courts or their subjects houses chambers and beds The same must be noted for the other plagues of blood darknesse blains boils and sores that were on old Egypt are and shall be on old Rome-Egypt Apoc. 16. Ibid N. 6. Cruel and tyrannicall projects They said as their Predecessors we have a Law and by our Law they ought to dy and that it was not lawfull for them to put any man to death and so craved aid of the secular power which men durst not refuse The Popish company and their friends make Decrees and Cannons and Princes must be their men to punish the transgressours Thus they make Princes executioners of their best subjects Vide Mr. Cade Justis p 166 167. c. and who were worst enemies to the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles but the Ecclesiasticks of their dayes whose eyes ran a whoring after their fathers idols and vanities Icremiah durst not humour but reprove the wicked apostate Prelates therefore forsooth the King and Princes must put him to death Ier. 26. So because our Lord from Galilee to Ierusalem taught against the traditions of the Elders and reproved their errours of bodily exercise their superstitions their ignorance blindness hypocrisie and false glosses on the Law therefore he was a perverter of the Nation and a mover of sedition and so it was in the case of the apostle Paul and therefore our Lord and his apostles must be put to death Trouble wicked and apostate Prelates you are ipso facto a seditious person and a troubler of the State O ye Magistrates take heed how you give c edit to the flatteries and Diabolicall slanders of such creatures that you stain not your hands with innocent blood Luc. 3.5 Acts 24.5 6. R. B. Latimer in a Letter to King Henry 8. sheweth how it was the practise of the Scorpion locusts to conveigh their own inventions and Proclamations under the Kings name and authority Princes that have cast off mysticall Nimrod and have made their Common-weals our Lords and his Christs will not rule subjects as the Princes of mysticall Egypt and Sodom to conquer honest Subjects as such apostate Shepherds did of old which were rebels and robbers Ezek. 1. Ezek. 33. such know not the wayes of peace which is the fruit of holy and just government but godly Princes in the policy of the heavenly Jerusalem will be as it is wtitten I will make thy goverment peace and thine exactors righteousnesse Isa 60. as Ezekiel further saith chap 45.9 and 46.18 Sad events have been when Princes have removed the Land-marks The Covenant with the Gibeonites was a Land mark which was broken and severely plagued Achabs and Naboths story confer see the plottings and projects Princes that will have their wills and lusts satisfied mind nor him that ruleth in the heavens See a Land-mark concerning the liberty of the Subject Christ ordained how transgressed how plagued Jer. 34. Again Iâ—hriakâ—m thought his Kingly Prerogative would bear him our in covetousnesse oppression innocent blood and in usiug the labours of his Carpenters and masons without pay Ier. 22. what came to this son of Belial So here were Land-marks of an ancient sanction of mens possessions of Iâ—berties and of goods transgressed and mightily plagued God is Jehovah his Judgements are for ever unchangeable he is neither wearied by long processe of time nor won to give his blessing in oneâ—age to that which he hath carsed in another There are Land-marks of Christs own making in those ten words Exod. 20. and in other places expounded between all relations divine and humane which none may wil ully violate but will fall on the point of his own sword Hos 5 Deut. 27 Job 24 Prov 28.16 Quest 6. and Ans This beast bath his arms from the four be â—sts in Danie The Apocalips and some other places and parcells of the new Testament is a new Prophesie of Christ of new States and governments both of the Church the new Ierusalem and its enemies but expressed in old terms This we must well observe how the Spirit of endlesse wisdome and foresight contriveth like revolutions and the former to be the stamps of the latter If we mind not this we shall run as we do into great confusion of story so he that is A. and Ω. from the beginning to the end ruleth the world in a most wise course to shew his judgement and mercy where in this last book of the Apocalips calling old speeches to new matters goeth through the Alphabet of old ages that he may be seen to join the first and last stories in wise order Mr. Bro. in Apoc 304. and upon Daniel page 3. chap. 13.9 10. Quest 9 and Ans Five had been The seven heads of the Romane Beast afflicting the Church Apoc. 13. 1. Pompey 2. Crassus 3. Julius Caesar 4. Brurus w. Cassius 5. Antonius 6. Caesars 7. Popes The Popes their double power is a seventh and after a sort an eighth head these are the seven States over the faithfull as John and all the Jews knew * the story ofe six of these heads their story full well The Church hath great comfort that the Pontificality is the last head of the Beast Heathen stories may sit those other States of Rome of 1 Kings 2. Consulls 3. Decemviri 4. Dictators 5. Trâ—umviri 6. Caesars 7. Popes The more fall out fit as often many do to one speech the more Rome that crucified Christ is condemned when God turneth continuall revolutions to have Rome called into mind Quest 12. and Ans So the double power of the Pontificality Caesar and Ponisix It is worth the noting that the Caesars titled themselves Pontisex
language of Levit. 26. and Deut. 28 and 30 vain talkers must vent their Mateologisme Quest 12. and answer That know not God c. Many will not be Papists and yet are ignorant and love to be so superstitious ungodly and unrighteous in all their life they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord and such shall eat the smit of their own wayes Prov. 1. and 5.12 Answer without shall be dogs Without the Lord Jâ—sus Christ in his holy ordinances coth make a marvellous separation of the precious from the vile but at that day shall be the perfection Psam 1. Mat. 25. Also note all these sorts of sinners are not to be understood as commonly men apprehend them but they stand in opposition to the peace quietnesse holinesse zeal purity of worships truth grace and glory of the heavenly Jerusalem Shall be dogs The Concision were dogs and murderers Psalm 22 Phil. 3. and cast our Gal 4. they resisted the building of new Ierusalem maintaining bodily exercise opus operatum their idol and vanity this made their house and habitation desolate to this day And is not this written for our admonition Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Luc 19. 2 Thos 1.9 as it was observed at the beginning that CHRIST his Doctrine and servants were held anathema of the godlesse so it will ever be Ibid. And sorcerers Or poisening Sorcerers read Thankfull Remembrance page 193. Aâ—ias translates venefiei Apoc. 22.15 It is thought the Jesuites are such creatures the book of their State mysteries mentioned doth imply such things it must be taken also spiritually bewitching people by feined words c. to make them believe false Doctrine Gâ—l 3.1 All this the Locusts must do for we are sure that the holy Lord God doth not answer them by dreams nor by Vrim nor by Prophets so that the next course is to go to Eudor they know who will there readily attend them 1 Sam. 28.6 Ibid. And the fearfull And I say unto you my friends Be not asraid of them that kill the body and after that have no more that they can do Luk. 12. I I aâ— he that comforteth you Who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die and the Son of man who shall be made as grasse and forgettest Iâ—bovah the eternall being thy maker that hath stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth in the waters Isa 51. If Gods word bear Supremacy in our hearts and faith evidence to us things not seen we shall as men of another spirit and independent as those three noble martyrs and Confessors Dan. 3. and as Daniel himself chap. 6. as Moses Heb. 11. as Calch and Iosua c. c. Quest 13. and Answ Saying Write Observe still the blessâ— comforts of the written word and mark the command Write Apoc. 14.13 Psal 103.18 Ibid. For they rest from their labours Let him that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the spirit saith to the Churches Those that keep the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Write it they shall have rest They shall have Rest that follow the true Lambs Religion let liars and cursed dogs bark never so much to the contrary let all that bear the name of Christian hate and accurse the fables of the heathenish Papacy of Purgatoty that men walk when they are dead and their vain Doctrine of prayer for the dead and their anniversaries and other ceremonies and superstitions numberlâ—sse as the Christian Disputations of Mr. Viret shew O ye all that are Gods Iesurum the Israel of God study the blessed Scriptures your inheritance cursed smokie Poperie and all deceitfull vain Doctrines will flee before the glorious light of the word Amen Amen A Postsrcipt BVl ye Beloved Remember the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our LORD IESUS CHRIST 2 Pet. 3.2 and Iudas Thaddaeus verse 17.1 Iohn 4.6 c. c. The holy spirit seeing and foreseeing that false Teachers were and continually would arise after the apostles times with fair speeches flattering and feigned words philosophy a shew of wisdome cogging and vain deceir spurious Epistles feigned revelations of the spiri and hâ—ocriticall lies and slanders and by bringing in fables superstitious voluntary humility will-worship mens Precepts Decrees Doctrines of Devils perverse things damnable heresies and rejection of Magistracy to cause divisions and offences to beguile men and to carry them for a spoil from the plainnesse and simplicity of the Apostles Doctrine and these evils were pursued by all deceit and violene of flesh and blood being driven on by the fury of spirtuall wickednesses principalities and powers the rulers of the darknesse of this world that did war against the Church about super-celestiall things therefore this warning and many others were given to regard the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine Thus the Holy Ghost did as is noted in the conclusion of the old Testament referre them that feared God to the Law of lively oracles given by the inspiration of the SON OF GOD the angel of the Covenant and by the ministery of Moses at Horeb Mal 4. Thus Christ was taught to day and so shall till the time of his coming 2 Cor. 11.26 Heb. 13.8 The Caesars persecuted the faithfull for The word of God and the Testimonie of JESUS Apoc. 6.9 ch 1.9 Keeping of the commandements of God and holding the testimony of JESUS Christ Apoc. 12.17 The Popes persecured the faithfull for Keeping of the Commandements of God and the faith of Iesus Apoc. 14.12 The Testimony of JESUS and for the word â—of God Apoc. chap. 20.4 THE THIRD PART CHAP. XVIII Of the seven Trumpets in Apocalyps 8 9 10 11. chapters In which the Popes Rising to his Antichristian Hierarchy is first described compared with the seaven Phials in chap. 16. under which the Antichristian Hierarchy doth fall and is consumed by degrees THE Seaven seals destroyed the Roman Empire and the seven Trumpets do forbid that Rome being overthrown as Jericho should be built again and as Hiel endeavoured to re-edify Jericho contrary to Gods will for which act God in Justice took away his eldest and youngest son So Princes that joined with the Pope to hate the Greek Empire that they might seâ— up Rome for which act the Lord in justice made it the means of their wo and great misery The comparison of the Phrases for the Trumpets in Apâ— 89 10 11. chapters with chap. 16. for the Phials is diligently to be marked for the understanding of the true scope of the Apocalyps The Phases concerning the Plagues for the ruine of the Papacy in the Phialls are wonderfully fitted to the former Phrases in the Trumpets by which the Popes rising was first described SECT 1. The first Trumpet and first Phiall .. UNder the first Trumpet Satan endeavouring to advance his project The Mystery of Iniquity then the
afterward found great severity of thundring wrath and terrour of most bitter plagues as if their filthy flesh rotted from their bones and their idolatrous and adulterous eyes did consume in their holes and their blasphemous tongues in their mouths 9. And the Lord MESSIAS to whom the Father of Heaven had committed all authority and power raised tumults among them first on the Iewes then on the Caesars Augusti and their people in most fearfull manner That the Caesars and their Assassines had death and a gulph and grave of destruction by intestine garboiles in their Armies destroying one another for three hundred years the six seals do also shew this in Ap. 90 Ap. 6. 10. Zach. 14.16 When the Heavenly Ierusalem was builded on twelve precious Foundations all of precious Iewels the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine b These are the same waters Ezekiel speaks of that came from the Temple Ezek. 47. and Christ JeAsue expounds Zac. and Ezek. in Apoc. 21. 22. then those holy waters as is noted of healing Doctrine issued and had free course into all quarters under Heaven East West North and South and every quarter had three Gates into the City And the godly in all times of the New Testament did flee like Doves to nestle in this City they came to it b Constantly continually from mouth to mouth c. Esai 66.23 these are allegoricall expressions anniversarily to keep the Feast of Tabernacles And the Apoc. 7. is an Historicall prophesie that 144000. of Israel the twelve Tribes that held the faith and an innumerable company of all Nations come to this City to blesse and praise * All Nations did blesse him as they were in him Psal 72.17 Gen. 12.1 2 3. the Eternall Son of God who did Tabernacle or Temple in our nature for 〈◊〉 â—edemption and when they came they brought Palme-Branches in their hands crying Hosanna Salvation to our God that sâ—â—teth on the Thorne and to the LAMBE for evermore 11. And they that will not come to the Feast of Tabernacles to serve Christ Iesus the true Tabernacle or Temple in his holy Assemblies in this his Ierusalem they shall have no Raine to moisten their dry and barren hearts They shall not know what meanes the Dewes that fall on Mount Hermon and the sweet small Raine that distilleth on the Holy Mount aine of Sion Apoc. 14.1 All the Gentiles that will not yeild obedience to the faith of the Gospell Christ will bring upon them positive and privative plagues as the stories of the Church shew this in all the Centuries in all Countries 12. And because Christ Iesus our Lord hath made us Kings and Sacrificers to God his Father Holinesse to Jehovah which was graven on the front place of the high Sacrificer shall be written on the Horse Bridles and on every Pot in the Heavenly Ierusalem thus Zachariah as Dan. 9. Esai 66. sheweth an utter abrogation of the Ceremonies of Moses Chanaan City Temple and worships 13. And let this be noted that the holy Apostles expounding the Prophets never taught the Saints that ever they should expect any outward glory to returne to Chanaan City Temple or Kingdome but taught them of the Heavenly Iâ—â—usalem and therein the Lord God of Hosts the Lambe to be the Temple and the holy worship to be cheâ—fly spirituall prayer to be every where in lifting up pure hands and hearts in all godly qualifications as our Lord Messiaâ— told the woman of Samaâ—ia Ioh. 4. 14. And therefore the Apostle Peter the Apostle of the circumcision taught the scattered Tribes of Israel in Pontus Asia Galatia Bithinia Capadocia and Chaldea of the Heavenly inheritance that fadeth not as Canaan and that themselves were lively Stones in the spirituall building to be an holy Preist-hood to offer up spirituall sacrifice acceptable to God by Iesus Christ the true Temple And that they that were and had been for many dayes Lo-ammi and Lo â—uchamah Hos 1. 3. were now by the glorious Gospell made Gods people and had obtained mercy and pity and warnes them that they be not as their Fathers to stumble at Christ and his Doctrine And further instructs them that the Prophesiâ—s which they so looked to be fulfilled in an outward manner were not to be taken properly and literally as Ezikiels Land City and Temple is taken to this day of the Jewes in propriety of spâ—ach that Peter blameth And the teaching otherwise was damnable heresie and a denying of Christ Jesus as the Apostle said of Circumcision Gal. 5.2 3 4 as experience also tels us these fifteen hundred years And therefore let Teachers beware how they harden Jewes in their idolâ— and vanity Solomons Kingdome was shaken but we receive a Kingdome that cannot be shaken the Low Jerusalem was destroyed but the Heavenly City cannot The Preist hood of Levi is passed away but Christs Preist-hood abideth for ever c. and we crosse all the Doctrine of Christs new Testament to plead any more for Terrestials Chap. XXIII Expounding Zach. 12 10 11 12 13 14. Zach. 14.10 11 c. SECT I. It is objâ—cted that Zac. 12.10 11 12 13 14. is not fulfilled AND I will poure upon the House of David and upon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirit of grace and supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have peâ—rced and they shall mourne for him as one mourneth for his only Son c. and the Family of the House of David and Nathan shall mourne and the House of Levi and the Family of Sbimei shall mourne 1. I think Act. 1.14 is an History to the prophesie for Davids House †The Apostles argument is strong that although must did not mourne yet the saith â—ulnesse of God is not without effect and God had not cast off all the Apostle reasons from himselfe as if there should not have been no more then himselfe Rom. 3. 11.1 2 3. but in the Acts there were five thousand and more and in â—erusalem suâ—â—ly the faithfull are but a little stock these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary the Mother of IESUS and with his Brethren In this company was some of the House of David and some of the Family of Nathan and some of the House of Levi for it is said a great company of the Preists were subject to the faith Act. 6. and Baâ—nabas a Levite became a gracious Son of consolation to the Church And that the Lord powred on the inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirit of his grace and supplications is historied in Acts ch 2.37 and many more afterwards ch 4. and in after times of every Tribe twelve thousand Apoc. 7. 2. I doubt not but when the Iewes be hereafter called according to Rom. 11. they will mourn for their own sins and for the sins of their fore Fathers but we must stick to propriety unlesse it opposeth the analogic of faith in other Scriptures that so we may
They paid Tythes to maintaine holy worships and other charitable uses And so it was in Moses 12. They had Teachers which were Preachers of righteousnesse of the justification that is by faith which of old was called propheseying Noah was a Preacher of this righteousnesse and the godly Peophets did teach others the ways of Christ as it is said Abraham would and so did Iacob c. and so it was under the polity of Moses 13. The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets did strive with the people of their days to turn them from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God Gen. 6. Neh 9. 14. Although the Prophets were godly yet what ever profection or any earthly or spirituall comfort they had from the Lord all was of grace as it is said Noah sound grace in the eyes of the Lord Gen 6 to be saved by waters and if of grace it is no more of works So Moses saith understand this day it is not for thy righteousnesse that God brought you from Epypt and placed his Tabernacle among you and gave you Chanaan but Gods love and mercy Deut. 9. 15. The corruption of nature taken from Parents is told Gen. 5. that they were but flesh that the thoughts of mans heart were evill from his youth Gen. 6. 8. and so all the apostate Families were un-regenerate Iob is plentifull on this subject Col. 3.5 Rom. 12 1. This sheweth how Abraham taught his Hous hold and Circumcision taught the same and the offering and burning of the rump kidneys and far taught them Mortification 16. In matters of doubt that concerned their particulars they went to holy Prophets to eâ—quire of God as Rebecca did to Eber or her Fatherinlaw Abraham Gen 20. and so it was in Moses if any doubt did arise they asked Moses and he inquired of God for them 17. We are constantly to observe that the same holy Covenant made to our first Parents was continued to some speciall persons for the comfort of the present age and posterity as to Noah Sem Abraham c. 18. As occasion was offered they made vows to God to bind themselves to a watchfull care and to chearfull thankfullnesse and willing obedience and so it was under Moses 19 In all which holy Doctrine and holy profession of it they knew that without faith in the Son of God it was impossible to please God therefore in all their worships they came in faith receiving and resting on Christ in the holy promise and Covenant Gen. 4. Heb. 11. and so Moses taught them in Exed 12. and in Dent. 30. 20. And by this holy faith receiving the Son of God as Mediatour from the Father for their Prophet Sacrificer and King Receiving and accepting the Son of God in all his Offices trusting in him for doctrine government and exâ—iation That speech of John ch 1.12 As many as received him is expounded of them that believe in his name Remember it still for a more clear definition of faith is not revealed and resting on him for Doctrine expiation and government were adopted the sons of God Gen 6. and were made heirs of the Julification that is by faith Heb. 117. and this receiving and believing on the Son of God was accounted of God above any righteousnesse they could do and this is the same holy faith that the Son of God imbreathed in the Prophets and Apostles to teach and write and all Moses taught the same Doctrine Deut. 30. Rom. 10. 21. Want of love to the brethen hypocrisie envy ill Gestures and hanging down conntenance bodily exercise murderous thoughts c. in the woship of God is reproved as in Cain and Christ in all Moses called them to holinesse truth and love c. * See hers how the Prophets expound Moses and teach the people of their generations and the Prophets do so expound him Psalm 50. Esai 1. God seeth not as man seeth the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of the righteous is his delight again the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord how much more when he bringeth it with an evil mind Proverbs of experience from the first and last counsels Prov. 15. and 21. David saith I will wash mine binds in innocency and so compasse thine a taâ— Psal 26. So Christ faith to us Let men pray every where â—â—fung up puâ—e hands without wrath and doubting 1 Tim. 2. 22. That the holy faith of the holy Son of God might not be violated or adulterated they were to take heed of unequall yoking by ungodly morriages Gen. 6 1 2 3 Christ in Moses speaks mâ—ch to this purpose 23. Upon any great design they sought God by the intercession of Christs Sacrifice as Jacob Gen. 46.1 2 3. And Abraham still shewed the same in building altars so did the faithfull in after times as Psalm 20.3 24. To all the holy Doctrine revealed they had Seals of the Covenant The Sacrifices were Seals of the justification that is by faith and the flood was a Sacrament of saving by waters as Baptismâ— is to us 1 Pet. 3 21. Christ renewing his Covenant to Abraham instituted Circumcision a seal of faith Rom. 4. and so in Moses was the Passeover and the other Sacrifices 25. It was required of all that did call on the name of the Lord to be upright in heart and to walk as before him and to testifie their faith by good works of obedience as Habel Enoch Noah Abraham Job c. the same is taught us 2 Tim. 3 Tit. 3 and Christ in Moses taught all this 26. They had washing or persons and garments that they should hate the garment sported by the flesh or for any defilement of worship c. c Thus for many things we may see The Modern Doctors af the Jews say that all was Tohu till Abraham that in him their glory might begin Mr Br. 1 in Mele. p. 75 76 all was not a Tohu an emptinesse from the apostasie of our first Parents to the death of Terah that apostated to idols but that the Gospel of Christ was revealed to out first Parents and by them taught as is evident to the Fathers and great severity came on despisers neglecting the word of faith both in the flood and in the confusion of tongues And we may well perceive what was their conversation Jesus Christ yesterday and to day and the same holy Doctrine in him shall be for ever Their conversation was acccording to Christs way and charge in his commandements statutes and laws as in all Genesis and Job it is said they walked with God and before God Hence we may see and discern the close life that is scattered in the short sayings of Moses especially for 2083 years to the death of Terah in Gen. 11. and in all Genesis and to the twentieth of Eaodus CHAP. XXVIII Of Divine Tradition I Think it is to some purpose to write a litle about
Religion page 82. Will you have us to say that the Godhead of the person of Christ hated and cursed his humanity as you understand curse this is as full of trembling to be spoken as the vilest speech that ever was spoken 5. What shall we say Tell us from sound Judgement in few words from Divine revelation These Tenets and others though from some godly Ministers must not be received but contradicted and contended against as not of the faith once given to the Saints but indeed we may as well span the heavens and dig the Tehom of the first dayes Creation and gather the wind into a sack and measure the earth with inchâ—s yards and perches as to search into these things and yet we dare affirm the imaginations and declare the wadings of our own never-seen visions 6. The doctrine of imputation as some teach it to make the Holy and Just One a sinner hath bred all this stir and trouble 7. Reverend Teachers of salvation do not think we beseech you that out of any sinister end and purpose we thus write but out of conscience We know we ought not to maintain errour much lesse foul here sie neither ought we to be silent at other mens errors but to contest for the truth The Lord Jesus will witnesse for his poor servants that we have not written of perverse pravity As for 2 Cor. 5.21 time I know will wear out some mens interpretations and sound disquisition will qualifie mens minds for the other and if this fort of mis-interpetation of 2 Cor. 5. be demolished other things will more easily yield upon quiet parlie 8. In doth not rellish well to make Christ a sinner by Gods imputation for the holy Scriptures snew that at the instant time of his sufferings he was not in Gods account a sinner nor in the Apostles account though in wicked mens account he was and therefore Peter chargeth them with a just and heavy crimination Ye denied the Holy One and the Just and again he saith 1 Pet. 3. He suffered for us the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God He could not have given us manuduction to God the Father unlesse he himself had been just And again at the very time when he offered a propitiatory Sacrifice for sin he was JESUS CHRIST the righteous therefore it cannot be thought he was accounted of God a sinner Christ Jesus our Lord the holy of holy stood not in the state and place of a sinner as some understand sinner but as of a Mediatour of atonement between God and man for sia Christ Jesus the Holy One must not be stated of us a sinner but a Mediateur according to that Law of Mâ—diation transacted between the Father and him Heb. 10.7 8 9. Psal 40. and 110. Heb. 7.8 and 9. and this Text of 2 Cor. 5.21 doth evince the same as is most evident SECT 3. THerefore to go on with this most blessed Scripture He was made a a sin offering for us who knew no sin that we may be made the righteousnesse or freedome of God in him 1. Q. How are we made the righteousnesse or freedome of God Answ God the Father doth justifie doth set free doth forgive doth pardon the guilt and punishment of our sins for his dear sons sake the sins of all that by faith receive Christ Jesus and rest on him as the Mediatour of our Redemption This is God the Fathers justification and plentifull Scriptures are answerable Christ his perfect sin-offering hath procured this justification righteousnesse or freedome mercy forgivenessâ— and atonement from God the Father therefore it is said the righteousnesse or freedome of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe and this righteousnesse or freedome is freely bestowed by God the Father through Christs-Redemption and through faith in his blood 2. This is as is said to declare God the Fathers Righteousnesse or freedome through the Remission of sins Rom. 3.25 26. and David and Abraham are brought in for this justification righteousnesse or freedome in Rom. 4. and all Rom. 5. duth not adde any new matter to make our justification more compleat but onely makes most heavenly deductions from the Doctrine of justification compleatly laid down in chap. 3.21 to the end of that chapter 3. The Apostle to the Philippians utters this point most heavenly and might be found in him not having mine own righteousnesse or freedome dicaiosune which is of the Law ex opere operato but that which is through the faith of Christ even the freedome or righteousnesse dicaiosune of God the Father through faith Phil. 3. 4. Beloved Reader the unbelieving Rabbins of the Jews did think to justifie or free themselves from sinnes Observe the Pharasaicall righteousnesse Luke 18. 〈◊〉 Mark 7. guilt and everlasting purishment by their ex opere operato bodily exercises of Sacrifices and washings and contribution * Exod. 30.12 c. compare with Pet. 18. John 6. of silver c. in these exteriours they would be exact and unrebukeable and they thought and taught the worship of God was so terminated But our Apostle Paul after that Christ had revealed himself unto him and had revealed the idol and vanity of his Pharasaisme he would have no other freedome or righteousnesse but that wrought by Christ when he sacrificed himself and gave his flesh and blood to be our bread and drink life atonement washing and redemption For the Apostle had before this written to the Hebrews that it was impossible the blood of bulls and goats or any Mosaicall sprincklings could cleanse the conscience from the guilt of sin and this he had testified long before this to the Jews in their Synagogues as we may see Acts 13.38 39. * They did wonder and stumble and perish when the Apostle taught this Doctrine shewing all their bodily exercise was lost labouâ— therefore this Doctrine they thought ought ought to be persecuted to the death as destroying and making void the Law Mat. 5.17 and Rom. 3.31 Acts 22.4 26.9 be it known to you therefore men and Brethren that through this Man is preached unto you the forgivenesse of sins and by him all that believe are justified freed or set free from all things from which ye could not be set free or freed by the Law of Moses This Text doth shew what is our justification or freedome even forgivenesse of sins Reader study the Scriptures and be acquainted with the term justfiâ—ed that is freed And so it is translated in Rom. 6 7. Again Gal. 5. 1 2 3 4. must be well considered the false Teachers did perswade the Galathians to be circumcised not knowing their deceit for if they thought circumcision was of absolute necessity they were to sacrifice and do all the rites of Moses that circumcision did initiate them unto and so they must deny Christ and his Priesthood for ending all Moses and so christ could profit nothing